Falkirk Allotment Society

OPEN DAY Sunday 14 August 1-4 p.m.

National Allotment Week 12 - 18 August 2022To mark the occasion we are holding an Open Day at our Bantaskine site and will be returning to our pre-pandemic arrangements. The event is open to all and as well as the chance to stroll around and see what plotholders are growing, we will be serving teas in the Walled Garden, selling a variety of produce and offering a chance to win a raffle prize.Please note that we are unable accept cards. All purchases will be cash only

Central Scotland B-lines Project

This project, carried out by Buglife Scotland,, was to create a wildflower-rich habitat along the John Muir Way and our site at Bantaskine was chosen for the planting of native hedging along the metal perimeter fence. Inevitably pandemic restrictions intervened in the completion of the project but in February a double staggered barefoot hedge was planted by Buglife staff in appalling weather. The hedge comprises of hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose, guelder rose, hazel and field maple. The flowers will provide a nectar and pollen source from late winter and the leaves will also provide certain species of math and butterfly larvae with important plant food. Eventually, the hedgerow will also provide shelter and cover for a range of wildlife species including birds.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Allotment holders have been fortunate in being able to continue working during lockdowns. Clear guidelines, produced by DEFRA* in March 2020 endorsed by the Scottish Government and Falkirk Council, meant that plotholders could work safely on site by following them carefully. During such difficult times the opportunity to be out in the fresh air and being active is very welcome.* The DEFRA guidelines1 After unlocking and coming in the gates use hand sanitiser to clean your hands. (If you do not have sanitiser bring hot water in a flask and use soap)2 Strictly observe guidelines on social distancing keeping 2-3 metres apart from others.3 Do not share tools4 On leaving the site and locking the gates use hand sanitiser again. (If you do not have it, make sure you don touch your face until arriving home and washing your hands.)

Orchard Training Day at our new site.

Sunday 19 February saw the first event at our new Callendar Park Walled Garden site.Andrew Lear (Appletreeman) from Plants with Purpose @plantsandapples.com delivered an extremely informative workshop on how to look after and maintain fruit trees. Under Andrew's expert eye members learned how to prune the existing trees in the garden and will now have the knowledge to also maintain their own trees and keep them in good health. View photos of the day in our gallery.

Annual General Meeting. Monday19 November.

Our AGM will be held in Falkirk Trinity Church, Manse Place FK1 1JN at 7.15 pm.If you are a member of FAS but not yet a potholder please come along and have your say as Mandy Brown, Falkirk Council Planning Officer (Environment) will be there to seek your views on the provision of allotments and community growing spaces.

Another great day at our Bantaskine site.

Although the day was overcast and the midges were initially out in force it soon cleared up and it was an enjoyable day for our potholders and visitors. Children had a wonderful time searching the site in order to make nature crowns while the adults chatted over tea.The society is very grateful to everyone who took the time to come along; for all the generous donations to our raffle, produce stall and baking for the teas. As a result the Open Day raised a total of £331.47.

Annual Open Day: Sunday 14 August

Our allotments will be open to the public on Sunday 14 August from 1-4 p.m. Come along, visit the allotments and enjoy tea in the walled garden. There will be produce on sale and a prize raffle.

Annual General Meeting Monday 9 November

The society's Annual General Meeting, open to all members, will take place on Monday 9 November at 7.15 p.m. This year there is a change of venue and the meeting will now be held at Falkirk Trinity Church, Manse Place FK1 1JN, in the Upper Hall. We have been fortunate in engaging Geoff Bailey, Keeper of Archaeology and Local History for Falkirk Community Trust as our guest speaker. It is hoped that the meeting will be well supported.

Open Day Sunday 16 August

Bantaskine Allotments  will be open on Sunday 16 August from 1-4 p.m.  Visitors can stroll around the site and  see how the allotments are progressing.  There will be teas and produce on offer with a chance to take part in a raffle.