In January 2024 the 37 Stonebridge Lane Allotments were under water, along with a large section of Marlborough. The River Kennet burst its banks but it was the water table rising that caused the floods on the allotments. To add to the allotment holders’ woes the nearby sewer lid had blown and raw sewage poured into the River Kennet and the allotment area.
Allotment holders Paul Horsnall, Lisa Clark, Mark Dewhurst, Sally Brown, Roger and Sue Harris told Marlborough.news how, because of the sewage spill they were advised not to grow anything edible in 2024. In addition, such was the devastation caused by the water that many allotment holders just gave up. “The whole site looked neglected,” commented Paul.
Fast forward a year and Stonebridge Lane Allotments are thriving and it’s all thanks to the determination of the allotment holders and the support of Marlborough Town Council.
Town Clerk to Marlborough Town Council, Richard Spencer-Williams, facilitated regular meetings at the Town Hall led by the allotment holders and a way forward for the allotments was found. The Town Council were able to offer assistance, such as providing compost from their store on the Common to try to lift the site above the water table, mowing regularly and loaning equipment.
Richard Spencer-Williams commented, “The site is bloomin’ great now. The partnership between the allotment holders and the council shows just what can be achieved when people work together.”
The allotment holders have also improved communication between themselves by holding regular coffee mornings, creating a WhatsApp group and engaging in team tidy days. They also work closely with Action for the River Kennet and the residents of Vicarage Close. With new like-minded people joining, the site is thriving with allotment holders growing a huge variety of vegetables and flowers. The soil is rich and moist so the dry summer we have just experienced did not cause problems. “It’s a cracking site now,” summed up Lisa.
Paul Horsnall, a founder allotment holder, commented on the advantages of the site being adjacent to the Stonebridge nature reserve, “It is a beautiful tranquil setting and a haven for wildlife. There are newts, toads, frogs, grass snakes, voles, pheasants, butterflies and a wide variety of birds.”
There can be no doubt that Stonebridge Lane Allotments and its community are here to stay and are testament to what team work and a supportive council can create.
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