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POOLE’S ALLOTMENT SETS STANDARD FOR GOOD PRACTICE

Poole’s organic community garden, Tatnam Organic Patch (TOP Garden) in Oakdale, has been hailed as an example of good practice in a new Government guide to allotment management.

The new guide, entitled "Growing in the Community" will be launched on 13 June at a national conference. It aims to raise awareness of the many benefits associated with allotments such as locally produced food, education, recreation and the encouragement of wildlife.

Members of Poole’s Agenda 21 Community Forum have transformed TOP Garden from an impenetrable mass of blackberries into a beautiful organic fruit, vegetable and wildlife garden, complete with pond. Support was also provided by the Environment Agency, Poole’s Leisure Services, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, A1 Hire and East Dorset Friends of the Earth.

Bob Williams, Executive Spokesperson for Environment and Prosperity, said: "TOP Garden is a real community resource for health, relaxation, learning and wildlife. We are delighted that the project has been featured in the guide and given the recognition that it fully deserves."

Since the garden was first established in 1998 by Poole Agenda 21 Community Forum, it has proved a huge success, attracting television coverage on BBC South Today and contributing to Poole’s winning entry for Poole in Bloom.

TOP Garden has regular open days on the third Saturday of every month, when anyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the garden. It also hosts a lively programme of events including summer BBQ’s, fireworks displays and visits from local arts groups.

Future plans for the garden include educational displays, school visits, shelters and raised beds to make gardening accessible to people with disabilities.

Andy Hadley, regular visitor to the garden, said: ‘TOP Garden offers pleasant company as well as good wholesome food. It’s a nature oasis in the middle of the town and a great place to spend time with the family."

More information about TOP Garden is available from Gary Finch on (01202) 679517 or online at www.geocities.com/poole_la21/tops.htm

Kirsten Robb, Local Agenda 21 Officer