Introducing the Craven Vale & Whitehawk Hill ‘Mini Bed’ Scheme

Craven Vale & Whitehawk Hill Allotment Society (CVWHAS) have taken on a new plot near the Beresford Road gate, which will be divided into 18-20 ‘mini beds’ ready for sub-letting in Spring 2024.

Who will benefit?

These will be initially offered to existing plot holders in September/October 2023, as an option for downsizing. Reasons for doing this will vary, but it might be because people are finding a regular plot too difficult to manage as they get older or develop health problems, or they may no longer have as much time on their hands due to changes in their life circumstances, such as having children or increased work commitments.  

The Scheme will not only allow existing plot holders to be able to garden longer, but will free up more regular sized plots for those on the allotment waiting lists.

From November, remaining Mini Beds will then be offered to those on the site waiting lists as ‘starter plots’, giving people the opportunity to get stuck in to growing their own food and veg while allowing them to gauge whether they really have the time and commitment to take on a regular sized plot when it becomes available.

Can you help us with this new initiative?

There is a lot of work to be done to get the Scheme off the ground and to make sure it doesn’t cost us the earth, so we appreciate all the help we can get! There are many different ways that you can help us:

• Join us on a workday to help clear the plot and to lay out the Mini Beds. Our first workday will be on Sunday 24 September, from 11am. Please note, the plot is on a slope with uneven ground, so participation is at your own risk.
• Donate any unused tools you have, such as garden forks, spades, trowels and secateurs
• Donate certain materials and equipment, such as 90x60cm concrete slabs, ballast, cement, wooden stakes, metal pegs and water butts
• Contact us if you can help us in these or other ways

Are you interested in a Mini Bed?

Firstly, read through our Mini Bed ‘Q&A’ to see how the Scheme will work and what the expectations are. If you meet the requirements and are interested in applying, then please contact us.