THE Forest of Dean Allotment Association has announced the establishment of the first new community-run allotment sites in the Forest for many years.

There are two sites, one in Whitecroft and one in Parkend. Both belong to Parkend Parish Church, with a long lease to the Association, which was arranged through West Dean Parish Council.

Allotment Association chair, Ade Jones, says: "It has been a long and complicated process to get this far, and I pay tribute to all the volunteers on the Allotment Association committee, officials in West Dean Parish Council, Parkend Parochial Church Council, and the Diocese, who have all been working hard to make this a reality.

"Both sites are still rough fields. During the next few weeks we hope to mark out plots at our larger site in Whitecroft, and arrange work parties of plot holders and volunteers to clear the ground, so cultivation can begin in the spring."

The sites are large enough to provide a good number of half-sized allotment plots, says the Association. There are enough for all current Association members, and also room for new members; the Association is open to anyone to join.

The Association has also been able to secure funding from The Gloucestershire Community Foundation, Grimbles Green Grants, the Mid Counties Co-op and the Old Spot Fund.

Ade Jones added: "We are delighted with the generosity of all these funders who recognise the importance of providing people with a place to grow their own.

"We need the money to fence the sites to keep out deer, boar and sheep. We also hope to purchase essential equipment to help us establish and maintain the sites."

Press officer Kate de Selincourt says: "Anyone interested in joining the Association and renting a plot is invited to attend a meeting at the Royal Oak Public House, Park Hill, Whitecroft on February 2 (7pm) when plans will also be made to start work on preparing the sites."

Association membership is £5 per year, and plots are available for a reasonable annual rent, payable in advance. Rent will not be due until the end of March to allow for site preparation.

For more information contact [email protected]">[email protected] or telephone 01594 833540.