In a corner of west Hull sits a piece of land that is bringing together a world of cultures.
Constable Street allotment, based just behind Coltman Street off Hessle Road, is a hotbed of different cultures.
Volunteer Lausanne Tranter, who runs the diverse community space, said people who are unable to communicate through language barriers find ways of connecting through their shared interest in gardening.
And with National Gardening Week taking place from Monday 29 April to Sunday 5 May, there is no better time for them to bond through their collective hobby.
Watch a video of Constable Street allotment below:
Lausanne said: “We have so many different cultures who come together to plant and dig in this wonderful space. Families from different nationalities – including Brazilian, Argentinian, Iranian, Iraqi and Romanian to name a few – all find ways to communicating through their passion for gardening.
“The site is also hugely popular with local children whom have recently been engaged in making seed bombs to throw to encourage the establishment of a green roof on the newly built roundhouse at the centre of the site. The roundhouse, which will soon have sides, has been built with the help of volunteers as a space for shelter, reflection, conversation and collaboration.”
The site is run on permaculture basis, which means organic growing with no pesticides and a fundamental growing principles that encourage sustainability and support self-sufficiency. Plants encourage pollinators and wildlife, rainwater is harvested in old cast iron baths off the old polytunnels and there are zero food miles between plot and plate.
Constable Street allotment features a diverse and beautiful range of plants.
The versatile space holds a diverse range of events including a recent Easter egg hunt, willow weaving, greenwood working and a herbal remedies workshop. They hold an annual sports day and have an open permaculture day.
Lausanne said: “It really is a fantastic community spot and we’re always welcoming new people who are on the hunt for a new hobby, or to simply find something therapeutic to do outside of their hectic lives.
“This place offers a sanctuary for many. Just some peace and quiet from the everyday noise.”
There are also ambitious plans to develop a self-sustaining forest garden on one side of the site. The trees provide nutrients in the form of leaf mould which in turn encourages ground cover plants to thrive.
National Gardening Week is the nation’s biggest celebration of gardening, raising awareness of the difference that gardens and gardening can make to people’s lives.
To join the community, contact Lausanne at lausannet@yahoo.co.uk or on 07816 141169.
