The Arbory Allotment Association has received money from Manx Lottery Trust to build 12 raised beds after the Covid-19 lockdown sparked increased demand for its plots.

During lockdown its few remaining spaces were rapidly taken over by green-fingered enthusiasts wishing to stay active and grow a supply of fresh vegetables.

Due to this rise in demand, the committee decided to take over the sole vacant plot, clear and level the area, cover it with weed control membrane and erect 10 individual raised beds.

These beds were designated for newcomers who would in normal circumstances be placed on the waiting list for vacant plots. The committee then created 10 more beds to meet demand, which were again snapped up.

The chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, Sarah Kelly, added: ’Establishing your very own allotment has many physical and mental health benefits, and so we were pleased to offer this grant to Arbory Allotment Association and hope lots of families benefit from its new gardening project.’

Despite the creation of 20 additional beds, the AAA still had a lengthy waiting list, with new requests for plots being received every week.

To help the AAA meet this need, Manx Lottery Trust has awarded a grant of £750 to build 12 more starter beds for aspiring gardeners. This funding will also be used to buy a petrol strimmer, a long-desired piece of equipment, to assist all members with the upkeep of beds.

John Atkinson of the AAA said: ’We are only a small group and the outlay for timber, fittings and membrane, coupled with the personal protective equipment we have had to purchase to help provide a safe environment for our members, has proved a substantial drain on our limited funds.

’Our only options were to either halt the process of building more beds until the annual subscriptions were due later this year or to seek funding.

’We are very grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for this generous support. It’s such a shame to have people on a waiting list, unable to put their green fingers to use, so we are delighted to be given the green light and benefit 12 more families with the creation of additional beds, in addition to a much-needed petrol strimmer.’

Manx Lottery Trust’s Smaller Grant Programme provides community funding between £300 and £2,500. Information and application forms can be found at www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes.