Welcome to the Isleworth Society Website
Some reflections from current allotment holders
“I find it a great escape, and a wonderful place to dig, turn the soil, weed, plant and pick my produce. It provides exercise – both physically and mentally – and is a place to teach children about plants and nature.” S. Hurton, Chair Park Road Allotments.
“I have rented a plot at Park Road since 2001. It has several mature fruit trees on it, a Bramley Cooking Apple, greengages and damsons. I believe these trees to be survivors of the orchards that used to be widespread in Isleworth. I have made friends with other plot holders over the years and we have held plant sales and barbeques which family, friends and neighbours were able to attend. Last year we delivered several boxes of windfall apples to be pressed for apple juice at a festival in Chiswick. The Allotments are a resource that benefits the whole local community in Isleworth.
During the current Coronavirus restrictions on social gatherings which may continue into 2021 or beyond, our local leisure centre, library and Isleworth Public Hall are all still closed, as I write in August 2020. However the Park Road Allotments are one of the few places where local people can go to practise a hobby that combines physical exercise with a creative activity, while still maintaining social distancing. The benefits of taking exercise in the open air and getting closer to nature through gardening are well known for our mental health. One only has to look at how busy the parks all over London have been during the lockdown to see how true this is.” A Agius
“I feel part of the wildlife. So many rare and threatened species. I love watching out for the tiny goldcrests who move in flocks of birds through the trees. The beautiful pink colours of the Long Tailed Tits are so very special. In winter I have even had our bats flying over my head in December.
My partner is disabled and unable to walk due to spinal damage. I take him into the allotment in the car, I can then work whilst he is safe and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
The loss of the allotments would destroy me and deprive him of one of his few joys in life.” G. Gray
“Park Road Allotments contribute to the "green corridor" that is so important in urban areas as well the really vital role in helping to reduce pollution. This is especially important for us living under the flight path of one of the world's busiest airports and close to two motorways. For me it's an oasis where I can do some physical activity, rebalance my mental health and grow my own veg.” Name provided.
“This site will always be in a state of flux but there is no doubt that Park Road presents an almost essential model for other allotments. The invertebrate population alone is proof of this and is worth a survey or up-date. Like many others in Park Road, we arrive and work as a family. For my partner and our little boy, this is our most important asset. Our time spent here goes beyond growing and cultivation. We watch and listen to wildlife, record species seen. Also, we experiment with different methods of growing.” Name provided.
These statements were provided by some of the allotment holders in Park Road Gardens in August 2020
Copyright © 2024 The Isleworth Society - All Rights Reserved.