Green Lanes Allotment in Hatfield held a special event on Saturday 12th August to honour their hard working community of green-fingered planters and cultivators. Celebrating the diversity and creativity of the busy green space in Hatfield Garden Village, the Green Lanes Allotment Association invited plot owners, Hatfield Town Council staff, and the Mayor of Hatfield along to tour the site and see the effort that has gone into making it such a haven for so many local people.

Best Plot Competition

Councillor Gareth Aicken, Mayor of Hatfield, was then invited to select his favourite from a shortlist of standout plots and present them with an official certificate of recognition, as well as prizes from Hatfield Town Council and Aylett Nurseries to help them further the quality of their plots. The best overall plot award went to Angelina Calugaru, while David Murphy came away with the most improved plot prize. Upon winning her award and prizes, Angelina commented that she was “over the moon, this will definitely be going straight back into the plot!”.

Speaking to attendees during the award ceremony, Councillor Aicken spoke of the importance of the allotment site, making particular note of the obvious community spirit that could be felt amongst the allotment members. He continued that “the physical benefits, sense of achievement, and growing your own produce is very rewarding; but you can’t discount the mental health benefits too”, with members of the crowd enthusiastically confirming his claim.

The Future

Looking to the future, Chair of the Green Lanes Allotment Association, Maria Brogden, stated that this is the first of many planned events for the community garden. “We’d love to do coffee mornings, more gatherings and bring together the allotment members much more”.

The management of the allotments is carried out by Hatfield Town Council in conjunction with the Green Lanes Allotment Association.