Ian hopes that his new venture will grow and grow

With an increasing number of people now growing their own fruit and vegetables, Ian McFall believes he has spotted a gap in the market for private allotments available to rent.

“People are more and more interested in where their food comes from and what goes on their families’ plates for dinner. Allotments provide the opportunity for people with no space in their own garden to be able to grow their own fruit and vegetables, and this guarantees the source of food and often the vegetables taste better and you can grow varieties which you can’t buy in the supermarkets,” Ian explained.

“Allotments also have social benefits by allowing the holders to get to know other people that they wouldn’t normally meet and spend time in a peaceful environment away from the stresses of today’s hectic society, unwinding from a busy day. There is also the health benefit of getting out into the fresh air, taking time away from work and being active. It is a chance for families to spend time together and for children to have fun and learn about gardening and nature too.”

Ian was awarded funding of just over 6,000 from GROW South Antrim under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme to prepare the site, improve road access, create pathways and car parking and to install a water connection.

“The funding from GROW South Antrim will help me set up the allotments and get them up and running quickly, hopefully by the start of March,” he added.

GROW Joint Council Committee Chair, Janet Crilly, commented: “We will be reopening for applications from farmers and rural businesses in May and would welcome many more applicants from across the rural South Antrim area to get in touch or check our website for future application calls.”

To find out more about the allotments project telephone Ian on 07710 386588.

For more information about the Rural Development Programme visit the GROW website at www.growsouthantrim.com or telephone 9448 1311.