A new gardening group has been formed to reach the dream of a community allotment in Macclesfield.

ONE Project, is a shared vision by two Macclesfield eco-groups: Macclesfield Plant Swap and Grow Macclesfield.

The idea is spearheaded by Macclesfield residents Martin Handley and Alejandra Eifflaender.

"The ONE Project is an open allotment for the whole community," said Alejandra.

"Our main goal is to have an allotment that is open for all, with no waiting lists, and being inclusive to everyone.

"We don't want people to go to an allotment and feel like they are being judged.

"It is a very middle class thing to have an allotment in the area, so they exclude a lot of students, single parents, elderly people, the disabled, or the LGBTQ+ community to name a few examples."

Over 200 people have already registered interest on social media, who love the idea.

It would also help overcome the years-long waiting lists that freeze-out families from growing their own fruit and vegetables.

There are potential Macclesfield locations that will be confirmed at a later date.

There is also interest from similar green groups as far as Alderley Edge and Knutsford that want to host and support the new project.

"This is what we need more of in the world," Alejandra added.

"We might not change the world, but we can make a tiny difference in the place we leave [for future generations].

"Allotments are great for the environment. You will also limit the packaging used, preventing plastic pollution.

"And growing your own food will reduce your personal carbon footprint compared to supermarket alternatives.

 

"Growing organic vegetables will also benefit the environment as you help limit the number of 

pesticides and other harmful chemicals in the soil. 

"In the UK over the last few years years there has been an appetite for open community allotments around many cities, the benefits have been fantastic, and the demand for allotments has surged this year from the pandemic."

There are hopes that local schoolchildren could also visit the community-owned allotment, and for other small Macclesfield environmental groups like Terracycle to use the space.

Those who wish to get involved and show the demand for the site can message via Grow Macclesfield on Facebook, or by joining the Macclesfield Plant Swap group.

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