THIS weekend, as part of the National Garden Scheme Charity, on Saturday and Sunday between 1pm and 4pm, Decoy Allotment Field is opening to the public in Bladon Close, Newton Abbot, with a Mediterranean themed garden nearby, writes Meryl Basham.

During Covid restrictions allotments have been ‘a life saver’ for many people. Now we want to show off what we have been doing over the last two or three years. We have created a wildlife area containing unusual plants, diverse habitats for flora and fauna and a pond with rare greater crested newts and many dragonfly species, habitats for bats and slow worms have been also been created.

Allotments are a much-needed way of improving and preserving the environment and biodiversity of urban areas, and we at NADCAA are working hard to save pollinating insects and species displaced by developments around the town.

Limited parking is available on site and in nearby roads, we will have tours of the site and refreshments at ‘The Hub’. Some of the areas can be uneven for wheelchairs and strong shoes are advised. Dogs to be kept on leads. We also have a shop where garden plants, and honey from local bees are sold.

We follow the true ethos of allotment gardening being affordable to all and are a totally not-for-profit organisation. Decoy Allotment Field is situated in Bladen Close, near Decoy School and is one of five fields run by volunteers of the Newton Abbot and District Co-operative Allotment Association (NADCAA) Management Committee who want to improve the environment and promote the benefits of organically grown food. You can also visit one of our allotmenteer’s garden close by, which is a magical Mediterranean themed space.

Pre-Book your tickets via the NGS website. Combined entry £5 children free