Another First for Audlem

Adoption of Lock 15 Gardens

On a sunny Thursday morning the Canal & River Trust (C&RT), as part of their Adoption scheme, formalised a partnership with ADAPT Lock15 Gardeners Group for the development of community gardens at Lock 15. This is the first Adoption of this nature with a community group in the country.

Earlier in the year, the gardens which had been in existence for five years, were in danger of being lost. However, with the support of number local people, our M.P. , boaters and the Trust's Chief Executive, the value of the gardens was recognised and a very happy way forward was found.

The Adoption means that the Group, which is now one of the action groups within ADAPT (Audlem & District Acting Positively for Transition), is also a recognised volunteer group for C&RT.

Lock15 Gardeners Group

The primary function of the Group is to develop the gardens at Lock 15 and to enhance the area in sympathy with its heritage nature and ecological benefit. The gardens will grow both flowers and vegetables, with an eye on companion planting, and give value in attracting bees, butterflies, dragonflies, etc. which are key pollinators. In addition there are also plans for a woodland wild flower area.

As part of the volunteer element the group members will keep an eye on the whole of the lock 15 area for the Trust and act as a "Welcome to Audlem" for the boaters on behalf of the Trust. The pop-up "welcome" gazebo will house information about Audlem, Canal and River Trust and ADAPT. The scope of the volunteering element of the adoption has several different exciting possibilities which will work out for us as time goes on.

We are now getting ready for the winter season, cutting down dead growth, sowing green manure crops, in some cases planting for next year's crops and generally tidying up. Take a walk down the towpath and see what we are doing, if we are down there working we would be happy to talk with you.

More members of the Group welcome

At the present the group consists of seven members, but we are hoping to increase this number as there are a several plots that have previously been gardened which we would like to bring back into use. We would welcome enquiries from anyone who feels in sympathy with our aims and would like to join us. No previous gardening experience is necessary as we all help each other.

Please contact me on 01270 812209 or email adrianleighton@btinternet.com.

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