New opportunities are being explored for the hundreds of green-fingered Aberdonians looking to make the most of the outdoors.
Green space across the city could be transformed into allotments under a new Aberdeen City Council strategy.
The plan, called Granite City Growing: Aberdeen Growing Food Together 2020, sets out a “clear vision” for the future of food growing in the city.
Over the next six years, the council hopes more people will start growing their own food, whether in their own garden, a community space, or on an allotment.
The number of people on the waiting list for a prized allotment has grown from 166 in January 2019 to 306 at the beginning of this year.
Under the new strategy, the council would look to establish new community spaces capable of becoming home to new allotments – with hopes they could boost the economy and the city’s mental health.
Council Co-Leader, Douglas Lumsden, said: “It is tremendously heartening to see the enthusiasm people have for growing their own food.
“Not only can it help keep food costs down and be a sustainable way of living, it’s also a healthy activity out in the fresh air.
“We are looking forward to seeing how communities will take ideas forward in the next few years.”
Guy Ingerson, co-convenor of the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Greens, said his party welcomed the decision and hoped, looking forward, councils would echo the work of European countries.
In Germany there are about a million allotments, with the highest number by far – 70,000 or so – to be found in Berlin.
Originally they were set up during Germany’s rapid industrialisation in the 19th Century – and during the two world wars they became an essential source of food for many.
Mr Ingerson said: “Locally produced food, if done right, can help alleviate food poverty, assist mental health and have a number of environmental benefits.
“Scottish Greens would love to see this project combined with rewilding parts of our city and the provision of more green space in developer contributions.
“Let’s look to cities such as Berlin for inspiration.”
Across Scotland, more than 11,000 hectares of land is currently classed as disused.
The Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce – established by the Scottish Land Commission and SEPA – hope to encourage councils across the country to create a new generation of allotments or city farms on the derelict land.
There are currently 516 allotment plots across the city and 512 registered allotment holders in Aberdeen.
In Aberdeenshire, the average wait time for a space at an allotment is four years.
Garthdee-based brothers Benji and Joseph Espindola established Gwen’s Garden Project in 2017 in memory of a friend’s mother who walked her dog there.
The community garden has been a hit with local residents.
Benji Espindola, 30, said: “I think this strategy is a great idea.
“If there’s public land spare I would really encourage local communities to utilise it, it is a really easy process.
“Four years ago we went to the council with our idea and they got on board straight away.
“It helps mental health as well as physical health: we’ve had some volunteers that have been recommended by their counsellors.”
