Donations are always welcome to our charity. Thank you for your support!
Who we are
Dig It Community Allotment (Charity No.1157047) has been a registered charity in Saffron Walden since 2014. We have established a wide network of partners and referral sources over many years of working closely with other local organisations.
At our sessions volunteers grow produce and knowledge on how vegetables, herbs and fruits can be introduced into healthy meals they can cook at home. We work on developing new growing techniques within our site, greenhouse and polytunnels. Volunteers learn how to propagate seeds right through to harvesting what is grown. We have been developing composting areas to make the site more sustainable while educating volunteers on the huge benefits soil can have on wellbeing.
Dig It are continuously developing accessibility at the allotment to provide wheelchair access throughout the site, greenhouse and summerhouse. Raised planters and tools that cater to all abilities are also now a permanent fixture. Our volunteers have various learning, mental and physical disabilities as well as other barriers to inclusion. This fantastic outdoor space offers a calm, inclusive and social setting which in turn will reduce isolation and promote community cohesion.
The activities provided improve the physical and mental health of all who take part. The allotment is a safe and secure community project that encourages volunteers to learn skills in growing fresh fruit and vegetables, gain knowledge on the impact of food, while offering an opportunity to socialise and make long lasting friendships. Dig it provides volunteers with the chance to be active, reduces isolation and improve mental wellbeing.
“We have focussed our planting and growing this year on immune boosting fruit, vegetables and herbs. The pandemic has impacted how everyone feels about their health and we want to contribute further by providing knowledge on how different foods help our bodies to protect themselves and promote healthy eating with what we grow on site”
Volunteers do not need any previous gardening experience, just an interest in growing and love of the outdoors. The sessions are service user led and designed so that all who are involved can contribute to the development of the site. Tasks at the allotment are varied from planning, preparing the space, developing the site, planting, upkeep of the plots and harvesting what is grown.