CPW Leicester digs in with new allotment scheme

With the help of Leicester City Council, CPW Leicester have taken on an allotment at Evington Top Allotments to grow produce for local homeless shelters and food banks.

John Haunton, Head of CSR at CPW, said: “We felt this was a great way to provide a wellbeing activity for staff while giving something back to those most in need.

“We received a very warm welcome from the Manager when we initially visited and immediately felt at home with the community feeling there. As such have signed up for a full plot (rather than a starter plot).

“Our first job is clearing the overgrown plot which is now well underway, but being engineers we obviously need to draw it all out and have lots options to evaluate! The outline plan is now in place and the team attend in small groups during the week. Current plans include a renovated fruit cage, new recycled shed with water butt and repairs to the existing greenhouse.

“Once we have this established, we have spoken about a solar (PV) panel to power an automatic watering system in hot weather – good to put into practice some of what we preach about sustainability in our projects!

“Potatoes, fruit trees, currents, onions, lettuce and a variety of vegetables are the current plan along with some plants to attract bees such as lavender and thyme.

“We are very much looking forward to delivering the ‘fruits of our labour’ to local charities later in the year.”

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