THE beauty of an Oswestry allotment site was celebrated last week as part of a national scheme.

Oswestry mayor Councillor Olly Rose attended Gatacre Allotments last weekend as part of the 2023 National Garden Scheme (NGS), which opens more than 3,500 private gardens to the public each year.

The scheme gives visitors unique access to exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands, and raises impressive amounts of money for charities through admissions, teas and cake.

Cllr Rose thanked all those who took part on Sunday, July 23 and explained the history of the allotments.

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She said: “Our thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors, the scheme has donated more than £63 million to nursing and health charities.

“Gatacre Allotments are owned by Oswestry Town Council and are managed on their behalf by the thriving Gatacre Allotments & Garden Association.

“There are 67 allotment gardens in two adjacent plots in the Woodside and Gatacre areas of the town.

“The site is managed by a small committee dedicated to keep an informal relaxed environment. There is a good mix of ages, and everyone is more than willing to lend a hand.

“The allotments were featured on BBC’s Countryfile in September 2019 and are always well supported and loved by local residents.

“You will find a vast array of fruit, flowers, vegetables in every shape and size grown on the allotments, the main pathways are wheelchair friendly and there is a disabled toilet at the site.

“At this year’s open day last Sunday, allotment holders were on-hand to talk about their produce and give advice.

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“Visitors could see diverse growing methods, novel ideas, and decorative structures that each individual brings to the site.”

During the day, awards were presented by Cllr Olly Rose for the tidiest allotment, most productive allotment and also introduced her own award for the most biodiverse allotment that attracts pollinators.

There was also an award for the tidiest side, which is hotly contested between Lloyd Street and Gittin Street.