Garthdee Allotments

As many of you will know, we built a living hedge at the north car park. What you might not know is that Steve Jennings added a couple of nest boxes into the hedge — and by all accounts, they were a success! Thanks to this, we now have bigger families of wrens and robins making the site their home.

What’s Next?

The plan is to build another hedge at the south-east of the site, beside the RGU plot. To help make this happen, we’re asking for contributions of:

• Raspberry canes
• Woody material

If you have any to spare, please leave them behind the compost bin.

Together, we’re not just building hedges — we’re creating habitats. Thanks for being part of it!

We’re delighted to share that Sandy Inkster’s bench has been beautifully refurbished by our very own Raymond Domeracki (Plot 84) and has now returned to its usual place in the orchard.

The bench was looking rather tired after being heavily varnished, but Raymond has done a fantastic job. He carefully removed the old varnish and treated the wood with linseed oil, bringing back its natural charm. As you can see in the photo, both the bench and Raymond are looking great!

For those who may not have known Sandy, he was a highly respected horticulturalist in the North East. Sandy often shared his expertise on the BBC’s Beechgrove Garden, both from his home in Cults and from his plot here in Garthdee. Many of us will remember his generosity—always ready with advice, and often with some produce from his own plot to share.

It feels very fitting that Sandy should be remembered by our community in this way. His bench is once again a welcoming spot for us all to enjoy, just as he would have wanted.

We’re thrilled to share some excellent news—Garthdee Fields Allotments have retained their Green Flag status for 2025/26! This prestigious award recognises high standards in the management and maintenance of green spaces, and we’re proud to continue flying the Green Flag at our plots for another year.

We are one of only ten sites in Aberdeen to receive this recognition, alongside celebrated locations such as Duthie Park, Hazlehead Park, and Victoria Park. It’s a real honour to be counted among them and a testament to the hard work of our plot holders, volunteers, and committee members.

The Green Flag Award® is an internationally recognised scheme that celebrates well-managed parks and green spaces. Its key goals include:

• Ensuring everyone has access to quality green spaces
• Supporting spaces that meet the needs of their communities
• Promoting high standards in management and maintenance
• Sharing good practice across the sector
• Recognising the dedication of managers, staff, and volunteers

A massive thank you to everyone who plays a part in maintaining and improving our allotments. This award belongs to you all.