Eco-groups as ONE with growing vision
A NEW gardening group and project has been launched with the aim of bringing a community allotment to the town.
ONE Project is a shared vision between two eco-groups based in the town; Macclesfield Plant Swap and Grow Macclesfield.
Spearheaded by Martin Handley and Alejandra Eifflaender, the ONE Project aims to create an inclusive allotment in the centre of Macclesfield.
The plan is for the allotment to be open for all, with no waiting lists, and be inclusive to everyone - without an individual owner of an allotment.
Alejandra said: “The ONE Project is a plan for an open allotment for all; it’s going to be in the centre of Macclesfield. It’s an amazing project for everyone.
“A lot of the allotments are middle class so there’s no opportunity for people on the other side of town like students and young people and everyone who’s waiting ten years on the waiting list for a plot.
“Allotments are good for the environment because growing your own food will reduce your personal carbon footprint compared to shop-bought alternatives - and you will limit the packaging used.” Macclesfield Plant Swap is a group which hosts a plant swap at the Treacle Market on the last Sunday of every month, while Grow Macclesfield is a volunteer-run community gardening project.
By joining forces the two groups hope to create a space for the whole community, including local schoolchildren and environmental groups such as Terracycle.
Planned plots at the allotment include brassicas, edible flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables, ornamental and wildflowers as well as a very small orchard.
Alejandra added: “We will love to convert this space into a great space for all, we will love to mentor people about growing their own food, having small workshops and teaching gardening techniques like the no-dig method.
“We have spoken to residents and neighbours, and they have been very supportive and happy if some kind of project can go ahead. We would also like to thank our Town Council and councillors for always supporting our projects.
“Everyone is welcome, no matter who you are! We might not change the world, but we can make a tiny difference in our community.”
Those who wish to get involved and show the demand for the site can message via Grow Macclesfield, or join the Macclesfield Plant Swap group on Facebook.
Alejandra said the group plans to announce the location of the community allotment in the coming weeks.