AN East End gardening initiative has been recognised with a national award after transforming an unkept allotment plot into an urban oasis.

Allotment Angels, based at Reidvale Community Allotments in Dennistoun, was voted winners of the Cultivation Street Gardens for Better Health Award.

And the project, run by Barrhead based charity, Include Me 2 Club, also received a £1000 prize.

Glasgow Times:

The award recognises gardens that is has had the most positive impact on the mental or physical health of the local community.

Susan Wilson, Include Me 2 Club’s lead volunteer at Allotment Angels, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have won the Gardens for Better Health category in Cultivation Street. 

“It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team of volunteers that we have, which has been especially challenging during these difficult times and it is very exciting to be recognised because this is a UK wide competition.

“We are going to purchase a few tabletop cookers, waterproof clothing and specialised seeds to plant in the allotment – I always like to look for an unusual vegetable to grow.

“We’re also going to get small vegetable polytunnels as we have over 70 vegetables and herbs growing at the allotment.”

Paul McIlvenny, chair of Include Me 2 Club, added: “This is a fantastic achievement for all the hard work and dedication by the team of volunteers and members who have created this amazing urban oasis. Susan tirelessly to ensure the allotment is in tip top condition.

Glasgow Times:

“It is absolutely amazing news that the allotment project has been recognised for its hard work, impact and achievements, improving our members physical and mental health participating in outdoors, growing, making new friends and doing some light exercise whilst chatting over a brew or some homemade soup from all the produce. A big thanks to Cultivation Street.”

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