If there’s one good thing to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is surely that sense of community, the togetherness and the helpful neighbourhoods.

Allotments have certain played their part within that too. Many people were shielding and, therefore, unable to tend to their produce to start with. Others are now harvesting their abundance of produce, sharing with others. They’re often seen as a hobby for the older generation, but we hope that image is now changing.

There are many benefits to having your own allotment. For those without sufficient garden space, it allows fruits and vegetables to be grown, flowers too. It is far from easy, so all that digging and weeding will definitely keep you fit. And, of course, there is the wonderful, fresh food you get at the end of it.

Some people are so convinced about the benefits of tending to an allotment that they feel it ought to be prescribed in the same was as exercise can be by GPs throughout the country. A scheme already exists in Gloucestershire with the Vale Community Hospital Allotment Scheme which claims to improve both “physical and mental health problems as well as helping with obesity, lack of exercise, healthy eating, stress, anxiety and social isolation.”

We spoke to Lisa Towell, a local allotment enthusiast, who said: “This allotment has been brilliant for mum… I intended to go with the kids when the schools closed but then you couldn’t drive with anyone in the car. Mum really got on it as she was furloughed. Being in a vulnerable group she’s still not back at work, going from working full time to nothing is quite a shock so this has really kept her busy. We are now reaping the benefits of her hard work and dedication. Not only is it great to grow your own but the benefits of being outside is a huge positive.

“I’ve been down there more now. It’s so nice to see self-sets appear and how they add a bit of character as they weren’t meant to be there, but also the bees and the butterflies… such a relaxing and lovely place to be.”

As it’s National Allotments Week 2020 right now (10-16 August), we would love to hear from you about yours and see some photos or videos.