Work is to start this year to create more allotments in Mansfield to help reduce a waiting list of almost 250 people who have applied for a plot.

Already in 2024 Mansfield District Council has transformed former grazing land on Sandy Lane into 41 new allotment plots, all of which are now occupied.

The initial plan was to repurpose the grazing land into half-sized plots in two phases, the first to be completed in time for this year’s growing season, and the second to be ready in time for spring 2025.

However, the first 20 plots were fully let in a few weeks, so the council decided to push on with phase two without delay.

Now there are plans to repurpose a former community allotment at the site to create another 12 plots.

It is hoped new plot holders will take them on early next year in time to prepare for the start of the spring growing season.

Dale Cross, appointed allotment officer for the council in January, has been the driving force behind making new plots available to rent.

“This land that we have repurposed on Sandy Lane had been used for more than 20 years as grazing land for horses, he said.

“It was originally used as allotments, but as demand for plots diminished in the 1990s and the gardens fell into disrepair, they were turned over to grazing.

“Over the course of the past 10 years there has been a resurgence in demand for allotments. It was especially high during the pandemic and this trend has continued year on year.

“More people appreciate the benefits of having their own outdoor space where they can go and escape the challenges of daily life, while at the same time reaping the rewards of growing their own fruit and vegetables.

“Not only does gardening offer a great sense of achievement, it’s also good for our physical and mental health.”

Former construction company owner Dale took on the council job after selling his company in 2019 and retiring. But he found after a couple of years in retirement he was ‘twiddling his thumbs and when the part-time allotment officer position came up, he thought it sounded right for him.

“I have always been keen on gardening and I love meeting people,” he added. “Since starting in this role I’ve met many people from all walks of life.

“There are some real characters on our allotments, some brilliant gardeners with a wealth of knowledge and some nice people. It’s been great to have the opportunity to be able to help to make a difference — allotments are a real community and a great leveller.”

Coun Andy Burgin, portfolio holder for Environment and Leisure, said: “Dale has done a cracking job at bringing this land back into allotment use so quickly to help meet the huge demand for plots.

“We hope they will bring years of productive labours of love to those who take them on, as well as some delicious additions to the dinner table.”

Renting a full-sized plot in Mansfield district costs £67 a year and a half-sized plot is £33 a year. To find out more, go to www.mansfield.gov.uk/allotmentsinfo