Antrim And Newtownabbey set to serve up ‘Muddy Boots experience’

A ‘Muddy Boots experience’ looks set to be made available to residents to encourage participants to grow fresh produce at home regardless of ability or available space.

According to an officer’s report to be presented to the council’s Operations Committee on Monday evening, the local authority will be encouraging “sustained participation in edible growing as a lifestyle change”.

The initiative is said to have been prompted by the impact of Covid on health and well-being.

It was launched by the legacy Newtownabbey Borough Council with videos and ‘Sow and Grow’ guides available to novices and more experienced gardeners.

The scheme is designed to assist participants to grow their own fruit, vegetables or herbs in whatever space they have available: pots, window

boxes, gardens or allotments.

The council owns 160 allotments at Rathfern, New Mossley and Ballyearl in Newtownabbey and Greystone in Antrim which were shut during lockdown prompting anger among plot holders. These reopened in May (read here).

Allotment holders have been promised a refund for the period during which these facilities were closed or an extension on their lease.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

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