Allotments
The village has 11 allotments which are situated next to Pomona Grove.
If anyone likes the idea of allotmenteering in Upton Bishop, they can contact Sarah Cook (Secretary) at uptonbishopallotments@yahoo.
NEW PLOT – NEW TENANTS
Upton Bishop Allotment Association has expanded its operations! In the early months of 2021 it was decided to turn a spare area into an 11th plot, letting one more family grow their own fruit, veg. and flowers. Once the decision was made, the grass was not allowed to grow underfoot for very long:- the plot was laid out, an enthusiastic tenant was found on the waiting list, and work began. Thanks to the generous support of Walford Timber, and B & Q Hereford, the new plot has a wooden shed on a solid base, with rainwater harvesting capabilities in the form of a water butt. Add to that a very practical compost bin, and for the latest tenant, as across the whole site, it’s all systems grow!
The Upton Bishop Allotments at Pomona Grove have come through their first ‘breaking the ground’ season and brought in a respectable (and tasty!) traditional harvest of spuds, peas, beans with more besides, in spite of the battle against weather, weeds and wildlife. Many of the plot holders say how addictive their visits to the site have become, and now they are planning next year’s flowers, fruit and veg!
With Spring on the way (we hope) plot holders can look forward to un-nibbled carrots, thanks to a very generous grant, and the commitment of a fencing contractor.
Without financial help the allotmenteers were unable to afford to protect their site from rabbit invasion.
Happily, the Herefordshire Community Foundation came forward with full funding for the appropriate perimeter fencing. This meant the Allotment Association could contract Goodwood Fencing and Landscaping to do the work, which they carried out to completion through the beginning of the March 2018 ice and snow.
Security images show just how effective this professional upgrade has been.
New dip tank thanks to Monmouthshire Building Society
Thanks to a generous award from the Monmouthshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, the Upton Bishop Allotments has a significant upgrade to their facilities a constant-level water trough – otherwise known as a ‘dip tank’ – which in dry periods (when rainwater butts are empty) will allow plot holders to fill their watering cans without queuing, and continue to efficiently irrigate their crops.
The MBS Charitable Foundation, which is independent of the Society and is run by a Board of Trustees who give their time voluntarily, was launched in 2000 and since then it has given grants to over three hundred local organizations and charities such as youth groups, the hospice movement, support groups, sports groups and many others. The Upton Bishop Allotment grant was awarded in the ‘Environment’ category.
The Foundation welcomes applications from organizations from all walks of life. Upton Bishop allotmenteers are very glad that they did!