New allotment plots are up for grabs on the Priory Road Allotment site in Mansfield Woodhouse after Mansfield District Council carried out work to reclaim and clear disused plots.

During National Allotments Week (8-14 August), the Parks Department is asking gardeners and community groups interested in leasing plots on this site to get in touch.

The council, which has more than 600 allotment plots across the district, is offering the Mansfield Woodhouse plots as either half or full plots to give beginners the chance to give allotment gardening a go. It will also give community groups the opportunity to work together on larger plots.

While there are waiting lists for allotments across the district, the council is particularly interested in hearing from gardeners or community groups living in Mansfield Woodhouse. Work continues on other allotment sites across the district and more plots will be available to rent in spring 2017.

Cllr Andrew Tristram, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Mansfield District Council, said: “Allotments provide a wide range of benefits to both communities and the environment. They not only provide the opportunity for people to produce healthy low cost food, they offer the chance to enjoy exercise, fresh air and the enjoyment of a challenge to grow a variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

“Allotment gardening also provides the opportunity to meet people and make new friends. Some of our allotment sites have brought people together with some groups working as one for the benefit of the whole community.”

Plots cost just £40 for a full plot for the year and £20 for a half plot. Anyone interested in finding out more can check out www.mansfield.gov.uk/allotments or email [email protected] to register their interest in leasing a plot.