Bottom Gardens Allotments.

 
Initially the Newstead Allotment Association had planned to establish allotments at Hopping Hill and had spent time and energy in initial preparation and obtaining planning permission only to discover that Hopping hill has had a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation) Order placed on it.The landowners, the Parish Council, had not been informed of this.
Therefore on ethical grounds and with assistance from Nottinghamshire County Council relocated their project during 2006 to the site of previous allotments which have suffered over 30 years of neglect. The allotment plot sits between the Linby Trail, a popular footpath, and the Robin Hood Railway line.

The Allotment Association completed a feasability study and Nottinghamshire County Council provided a site investigatory desktop study report to prove that the land is fit for use and that we are compliant with the sensitivity of the local ecology and wildlife.

Work commenced on the site in February 2006. Hedges were cut back before the bird nesting season, paths laid, rabbit fencing erected and hedging replanted.

 
We aim to be completely organic on this allotment garden as since about the 1970's the soil has had the benefit of being undisturbed or had anything added.
As the actual allotment plots will only attract those interested in gardening we included in our funding bid areas for the whole community to enjoy and use.
We have provided seating areas and soft fruit bushes and trees have been planted. The well established fruit orchard has been cleared and bird and bat boxes have been erected. Work continues on a communal place which we hope will be aesthetic, a wildlife haven and somewhere all local residents and visitors can enjoy.
We also hope the project will produce some good harvests and encourage local residents, both young and old to look at traditional approaches to healthy living and eating.