A plan to create allotments began in late 2007
Four Marks Parish Council acquired land next to the recreation ground from Barratt Homes as part of its Open Space contribution for the new Meadowbrook housing development.
On 1 December 2007, a small group of Parish Councillors and future plot holders marked out 47 plots and the paths on the original site (Rows A to D).
The traditional size for an allotment plot is 10 poles, an old measurement dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. That’s approximately 250 square metres. This size was deemed sufficient for a family of 4 to grow vegetables for its household alongside their day jobs.
Given modern commitments, it was decided that our plots would be 5 poles, roughly 125 square metres. These were marked out on a grid of 9m x 14m, separated by a network of 2m and 1m paths.
An area was left in the middle of the original site (B16) for common usage and social gatherings.
During December 2007, the first plots were allocated, and a turf cutter was hired to start taking up turf on individual plots and marking out beds.
2008 was busy for the first plot holders
In early 2008 there was a lot of activity on site as enthusiastic new plot holders began to lay out their plots.
Space was left for the construction of 4 raised beds for members with restricted mobility.
A large communal shed was erected close to the main entrance for storing lawn mowers and other equipment.
The first AGM took place on 1 March 2008
The inaugural AGM was held at the Sports Pavilion to form the Four Marks Allotments Association (FMAA) and elect committee members. The role of the Committee is to manage and run the allotments on behalf of the Parish Council.
May 2008: a water supply was put in
In May 2008, a group of new plot holders set about putting in the water supply to the site. Two hundred metres of trench was dug and a connection was established to the mains water supply on the Barratt Homes site.
This work set the tone for subsequent years. To date, nearly all of the infrastructure and site expansion has been planned and managed by the Four Marks Allotments Association.
The local Parish Council has helped with some of the bigger jobs such as adding the perimeter fencing, main gate and tarred entrance path.
2009 and beyond: the site was expanded
During 2009 the site was expanded with the addition of row E to accommodate the growing list of names on the waiting list.
Row F was added in later years.
Today
We now have 80 plots, a mix of full and half plots.
