Bexley Mencap's allotment still growing!

Bexley Mencap’s gardeners are going from strength to strength on their allotment, which they took over in 2021 from part of a plot owned by a local college that had become wild and neglected .

"It’s been great to see members grow in confidence and knowledge and take responsibility for maintaining our allotment all year round," says Nick Marsden, income and development officer at Bexley Mencap.

"Initially, the plot was very neglected and overgrown so the members worked really hard to prepare the soil so it was ready for planting. We’ve grown lots of different vegetables and each year we try to grow something new."

And just like the plants and vegetables, the team don't mind a bit of rain or getting dirty!

"Group members help one another and decide what tasks they would like to do each week," Nick continues. "Around 17 members have helped on the allotment so far and it’s great that here’s always something for everyone to do."

And that inclusion has helped the members in lots of different ways, positively benefiting their mental and physical wellbeing.

"It’s good to get away from all the noise of the town," says one of the gardeners, Josh, who loves planting and picking the peas and onions once they're ready for harvest "I like the greenery and nature" he says.

"‘It doesn’t matter how old you are", adds another one of the gardeners, Gary. 

"Gardening is for everyone and it keeps me fit. I look forward to Thursday morning and I’ve learnt so much about growing since I joined the group" he says.

Others have been inspired to find different ways to help around the allotment. Liam for example, has an app on his iPhone called "Picture This", which he uses to identify the names of all the different plants and flowers the group come across. He's also a whizz at paying close attention to the instructions for planting on each packet of seeds, making sure nothing is planted at the wrong time of year or in the wrong way!

And all this hard work by the group has not gone unnoticed, with their efforts being awarded a Silver Certificate of Achievement in the Best Community Garden Award category by Ruxley in Bloom. Not only that, but earlier this year, the group were also recognised on the Learning Disability and Autism Leader's List 2024, for their 'outstanding work' and for the members 'taking a lead in their life.'

While the awards are nice, for the gardeners it's the the togetherness and friendship that means the most to them. 

"There’s always lots to do," says gardener Chris. "We work as a team and help each other along the way. Everyone has different skills." Chris' skills include picking beans and looking after the lettuces, and he also makes good use of the garlic grown on the allotment, taking some home for his family to use in stir-fry dinners!

"I like being helpful" adds Jake, who is always keen to help out with a fork to dig up the latest batch of potatoes. "Pushing the wheelbarrow is good and I always enjoy being with the group."