Ambleside Allotment

Situated next to Stock Ghyll Waterfalls at the foot of Wansfell, the Kelswick site is a field of community allotments in Ambleside. When the Covid pandemic hit in early 2020, Luke started to look for a space to grow food for his family. Not having a garden at the time, the local allotment site made the ideal location.

However, the only two ‘plots’ left on the site were merely corners of the field, piled high with rubble, rock and excess earth. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Luke took one of the plots and began to create his design.

Drawing inspiration from Charles Dowding and the ‘no dig’ method, Luke began to envisage a plot that would be both productive and ornamental - providing food, interest, scent and a wildlife friendly environment through-out the growing season.

In the depths of winter 2020 - 2021 Luke and his partner, with ‘help’ from their toddler, began to clear the ground of waste material and rubble. Digging trenches to lay drainage, landscaping and preparing the soil took a great deal of planning and hard work. Whilst at home, on trays placed under white lights on their window-sills, seeds planted were coming to life.

By April 2021 the plot was ready to have the first crops planted and from then on it grew, and grew, and grew.

And in August 2021, the plot won 3 categories at the Ambleside Allotment Virtual Show 2021; Frilliest Lettuce, Best Looking Bed and Best Overall Plot.

Credits

Words / Photography
Sophie Bryde

Photography
Luke Evans