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Food Critic Matthew Fort Comments on Allotment Waiting Lists Reaching 40 years

Latest research reveals that 83,000 Brits are currently on a waiting list for an allotment and in some parts of the UK, the wait for an allotment can be as much as 40 years.
Food & Drink, Lifestyle - 3 August 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
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Latest research reveals that 83,000 Brits are currently on a waiting list for an allotment and in some parts of the UK, the wait for an allotment can be as much as 40 years. With only 200,000 plots available, the average wait is 3 years. 56% of those with an allotment rent their plot in order to save money, saving around £950 a year through home growing.

70% of people feel that spending time in the garden may improve their quality of life yet 46% do not have access to a garden or plot of natural land. Just 30 minutes of gardening can burn as many calories as aerobic exercise and with many connections being made between the use of pesticides and ill-health, growing your own food is a further benefit to your wellbeing.

The size of UK gardens is shrinking and experts predict that by 2016, garden space equal to 2,755 Wembley football pitches will disappear.

. Introduction:

Latest research reveals that UK gardens are shrinking in size, with many experts predicting that huge amounts of garden space will disappear by 2016. Nearly half of us do not have access to a garden or plot of land, with allotment shortages currently affecting around 83,000 Brits. Most people feel that spending time in a garden is beneficial to their quality of life yet in some parts of the UK, it will take individuals as long as 40 years to get their ‘green fingers’ on an allotment. Gardening can benefit our lives in more ways than one, contributing to our daily exercise and enabling us to grow cheap, fresh food, yet with only 200,000 allotment plots available in the UK many gardeners are growing frustrated.

So, what can be done to grant more individuals the opportunity to garden?

Joining us in the studio is Matthew Fort, British Food Writer and Critic.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research reveal about gardening in our area?

Why does spending time in the garden boost our quality of life?

What are the benefits of growing your own ingredients?

How can fresh, home-grown ingredients enhance food when cooking at home?

What options are there for those living in the city who want a taste of the country life?

Where can we find out more information?