Bournville Community Website

[Hay Green Allotments]

“Our Association was formed in the 1920s, on ground set aside by George Cadbury, to give his Bournville workers the opportunity to grow food for their families and flowers for enjoyment. In those days it was a thriving activity as incomes were small and television did not exist,” Roger Farrell, who is Secretary of Hay Green Allotments Association, told Outlook.

The 4½-acre Hay Green site consists of 57 full plots, most of which are let as half plots. This seems to be the maximum area most people want to manage. The soil is on Bournville marl, a veined clay, and it needs organic matter to be dug in regularly to keep it in an easily worked condition.

The site is leased from Bournville Village Trust, to whom an annual rent is paid, and managed by an elected independent committee. Financially independent, the Association raises funds by charging plot-holders an annual rent and a membership fee.

An Annual Produce Sale is a significant source of income, as is an on-site shop selling a variety of fertilisers, canes and netting.

“In the last ten years our membership has changed - there are now many more lady members - as have growing methods, with people going much more organic,” Roger added.

If you are interested in a plot at Hay Green, please contact Roger direct on 0121 459 9358, visit Hay Green on a Sunday morning - between 10am and noon – or www.haygreenallotments.co.uk