Unique garden share scheme cuts allotment lists

A unique new scheme is cutting waiting times for allotments and helping older people take care of their gardens. Waiting times for allotments have reached an all-time high across the country as a new fad for growing your own takes hold. Under the Garden Partners scheme, people who are on the Wandsworth waiting list are being matched up with people over 60 who are unable to tend their own gardens.

The scheme is a partnership between the council’s allotment’s department, Age Concern Wandsworth and NHS Wandsworth, and is believed to be the first of its kind in the country...

More info at:http://www.wandsworth-pct.nhs.uk/news/press_story.asp?id=539

Cllr Jim Maddan, cabinet member for adult care services, said the scheme helps solve a number of different problems. 'This is such an obvious solution, I’m surprised we didn’t think of it before. Gardening has been proven to be very therapeutic and a way to help the disabled as well as the elderly to remain active and enjoy a full life. This scheme reduces the allotments waiting list, helps older people take care of their gardens and encourages people to get to know older people and become friends with them.'


(link repaired - previous one broken) 

What a great idea!

UPDATE: Maybe now not so unique... Here are details of two other schemes in existence:

• Farnham Garden Share Scheme
• Garden Share Project (Totnes)

UPDATE 2: Here is a website dedicated to sharing 'spare ground' as well http://www.spareground.co.uk/ - thanks to Rachael Mallender, Police Officer who posted on this info on this story earlier today (27/4/10) http://www.localgov.co.uk/index.cfm?method=news.detail&id=88323 "Councils under fire over allotment waiting lists"