Ramsgreave Community Allotment and Garden
13th of June, 2025
Located on a once-overgrown railway-side plot leased by Ramsgreave Parish Council, the community allotment has been transformed over the past five years into an inclusive green space. With accessibility in mind, it features a shed, polytunnel, patio with shade, log cabin, composting toilet and a picnic area. There is a central path that is accessible for wheelchairs and prams, although the ground off the path can be uneven and care must be taken.
Over the years, funding has been provided by the Community Fund, Royal Horticultural Society, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, and Network Rail. There is no water or electricity so we collect water off the shed roof and store it in large tanks.
The Community Allotment produces a variety of seasonal, organic fruit and vegetables, grown without chemicals or peat. In the polytunnel we grow tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, sweetcorn, lettuce, beans and grape vines (although they have yet to produce a grape!) Outside we grow potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, peas and beans as well as herbs. There are fruit trees and bushes around the plot including apple, pear, plum, blueberry, blackcurrant, rhubarb, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries.
The front of the plot has a garden with a range of flowers and shrubs, often donated by local people, and a lawn. The rear of the plot is managed to promote biodiversity and support wildlife. It is left to grow largely wild, with dead hedges and log piles to provide habitat as well as a wildlife pond and bird and bat boxes. We support several hedgehogs released from local rescues who nest locally and come to the site for food every night. We are always happy to accept donations of meat flavoured dried cat food for our Hedgehogs.
We are part of the RHS In Your Neighbourhood Britain in Bloom scheme and are inspected every year. We currently hold a Level 4 certificate 'Thriving'.
The allotment is open most Sunday afternoons for visitors to come and have a seat and enjoy the garden, or to do some gardening. Everyone is welcome!