Cockburnspath Allotment Association
Cockburnspath Allotment Association established itself in 2018. Its purpose was to manage community gardening spaces across a designated site
The facility included 17 main plots, six raised beds (four dedicated to the local Primary School and Nursery), and nine indoor growing spaces. The Association has continued to maintain these facilities for its 60 members, who have also grown in numbers, but also identified the need for more growing space.
Community involvement has always formed a central part of the group’s development. The Association organises monthly Volunteering Sunday sessions and weekly compost shredding activities. A part-time Community Gardener supports maintenance, provides advice, and works with older plot holders and school children during fortnightly growing sessions throughout the season.
The Association's first Polycrub polytunnel was installed in 2022 through funding from the National Lottery, and its installation proved highly successful.
A Polycrub polytunnel uses thermally efficient polycarbonate covering, which extends the growing season and increases harvest yields. The polytunnel also serves a multiple of other purposes, from hosting trustee meetings, supporting seedling development, and providing space for experimental crops.
Based on the first Polycrub polytunnels success, the Association identified a need for additional indoor growing space and sought to raise funding for a second 12.7 x 4 metre polytunnel.
As well as raising funding, the group also sought to upgrade the existing allotment space. The project included groundwork, drainage improvements, and the creation of accessible pathways to benefit wheelchair users, ensuring the area was accessible to everyone.
The group approached the Co’path & Cove Fund in October 2024. They were keen to secure funding to ensure that the new polytunnel would be constructed in time for the 2025 growing season.
Following Panel consideration, they agreed to award the total project cost of just over £18,000 in November 2024.
The new structure will be designed to provide growing space for ten additional members and will include an area for the local primary school pupils to grow their own produce. It will also create a multi-use space for community activities.
The new polytunnel is planned to contribute to the Association's sustainability by generating additional income through plot rentals while promoting local food production and reducing food miles. The project will benefit between 60-100 people annually, supporting community connections, physical activity, and outdoor learning opportunities.
The Cockburnspath Allotment Association has demonstrated growth and community impact since its establishment in 2018, building on the success of their first Polycrub polytunnel installed in 2022. The Association continues their commitment to sustainable local food production, community engagement, and inclusive outdoor learning opportunities.
Read more about the Cockburnspath & Cove Community Fund