Jordans Mill has opened a new area in its garden to celebrate National Allotments Week.
The historical site in Langford Road, situated on the bank of the River Ivel, has added small space and container gardening to encourage people to grow their own fruit and vegetables.
Jenny Osborne, head gardener at the mill, said: “The gardens are truly inspirational, and we believe in getting the community involved and learning more about allotments.
“This year we have focused on small space and container gardening, so visitors can still enjoy growing their own tasty produce at home.
“It is important for us to reduce our food mileage, get active outside and provide habitats for our struggling wildlife.
“I encourage families to come and look at our full range of fruits and vegetables and create something similar at home.”
The latest addition to the mill gardens opened yesterday and runs till Friday from 9am to 5pm with free entry.
Visitors can learn how to grow fruit and vegetables in their own small space with plenty to of helpful tips on offer with signs around the garden.
There is also a Pirate and Princess trail around the gardens, meadow and woodland, where children can search for clues to find the missing pirate.
The trail cost £1.50 to take part and runs until August 31.
National Allotments Week started on Monday and is organised by the National Allotment Society – founded in the early 20th century.
This year’s theme is ‘living and growing’, with the aim of encouraging more people to grow their own fresh produce.
Allotments in the UK date back to the 18th century.
By 1918 there were 1.5 million patches across the country, but this has been on the decline ever since.
However, despite the diminshing numbers with 330,000 people holding an allotment in 2008, there are still 100,000 people on the waiting list for their own little patch of land.
The allotment is now also being recognised as a way to help increase green space in towns and cities, reducing food miles, and a way of reducing the cost of fresh produce.
To find out more about National Allotment Week visit nsalg.org.uk/news-events-campaigns/national-allotments-week.
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