We are coming to the end of our first growing season on the new allotment site at Balmacassie. It has been a successful first season with the completion of significant investment to prepare the site for operation with 56 plots provided with interconnecting paths, a car park, pond and security fencing and gates. The addition of a security fence opened up views from the A948 and this generated even greater interest. As predicted before opening there was great demand for plots and all 56 were snapped up quickly and we have a healthy waiting list.
Our members have overcome a number of environmental challenges with strong northerly winds in June affecting early planting. This was followed with a lack of rainfall for much of the summer making watering crops a real challenge. As we got to the season close the heavy rainfall in October provided another obstacle to growth. Overall however, it was a successful season with some splendid examples of produce. Courgettes were particularly successful and the wide variety of crops was a pleasure to see. And of course, the sunflowers on a plot along the roadside greatly improved the visuals of the A948.
The site development will now continue during the winter months with significant investment to deliver the vision of a modern, well-resourced site for the Ythan community. This is only possible due to the generosity of our many funders, local businesses and the efforts of our Members.