Colin Community Allotments Workshops

After taking over an allotment plot in the Colin Community Allotments in November 2022, Natural World Product’s Community Outreach Manager, Sharon, teamed up with market gardener and No-dig expert Biruk Sahle, to take over another three plots and run monthly workshops collaborating with Colin Neighbourhood Partnership.

These educational workshops are available to anyone to attend and are based on growing organic food all year round using New Leaf Compost and the no-dig gardening method. The workshops are extremely popular, and the results have seen bountiful harvests shared in the local community. There is increased networking of community-growing groups from across Belfast. They have become a welcome date in the monthly calendar, and attendees are lured not only by the outdoor horticultural experience but by the ‘tea break’ where sharing tasty treats such as soups, bread and scones, all using the fresh produce has become a prominent aspect of the workshops.

CNP’s allotment manager, Matthew Mc Kinley, said, “Working with Sharon and Biruk has been transformational for the entire site. Their No-Dig gardening philosophy has helped many of our allotment holders get the most out of their plots, creating a happier and more productive gardening season. Their monthly workshops have helped dozens of end users and participants share any knowledge learnt with their peers. Sharon and Biruk have been integrated into the allotment site, which has helped contribute to better mental and physical health for any stakeholders they engage with.”