Health chiefs dig out suggestion for derelict land

Published on Friday 24 July 2009 10:34

PATCHES of derelict land will be set aside for allotment use under plans being considered by health chiefs.

NHS Lothian said it would look at temporarily allowing its various unused sites which are awaiting development to be used by community groups.

It would not only put green space to good use but also provide much-needed space in a city which has one of the longest allotment waiting lists in the UK.

The health board chairman, Dr Charles Winstanley, indicated at a recent board meeting that he was keen on the plan, and was further persuaded after addressing the Scottish Allotments Society.

It would also provide opportunities, he said, for mental health patients to benefit from therapeutic activities, such as planting and tending to greenery.

Allotments organisations have welcomed the plans, saying it was an example of how everyone could benefit from unused land, while mental health charities also offered their support.

"There is some talk of giving community groups access to our grounds," he said. "There is scope to identify derelict land which might be made available."

Although nowhere has been officially set aside, there is no shortage of space belonging to NHS Lothian which, while plans are afoot for development, could be many years away.

At Little France, there are acres earmarked for both the new Sick Kids hospital and the much-anticipated Bio Quarter, as well as expansive space at the Royal Edinburgh hospital in Morningside.

Local health bosses feel there would be no harm in donating land, even if it was just for a couple of years while projects go through planning and design procedures.

People in Edinburgh wishing to get allotment space have one of the toughest tasks in the country. More than 1,400 people are on the council's waiting list, with fewer than 90 getting a slot each year.

Other plans have been launched of late to boost allotment provision, including land along the new tram route being considered for new spaces in Carrick Knowe and Stenhouse.

Charlotte Encombe, the secretary of environmental organisation Greener Leith, said: "I think this is an excellent idea. It wasn't so long ago that people's back gardens didn't have patios and heaters but a potato patch, and I think that's coming back a bit.

"If the NHS was to do this, it would be fantastic because other large organisations would look at it.

"Of course it has its health benefits too, because more fresh food would be grown and eaten and people would be spending time outdoors."

Charlie McMillan, Scottish Association of Mental Health's director of research, influence and change, added: "We know that spending time outdoors and being physically active can have a positive impact on mental health.

"SAMH is confident that the mental health of all those who use the space will benefit."

YOUR SAY:

Should more places be sought for allotments?

Alexander Alexander, 81, retired postman, Calder Gardens: "Yes. If the NHS own land then either sell it, or hand it over, before it ends up under PPP control and nobody can get their hands on it."

Ian Duff, 65, retired university lecturer, North Berwick: "This is a good idea, so yes. I suspect there is other land that would be suitable."

Kate Brown, 29, nurse, Dalry: "The more space created for allotments the better. I think if organisations can give up land, either for free or for profit, then it should be encouraged."