THE first allotments in Selborne have been officially opened. The 12 plots on the Selborne recreation ground have all been snapped up by residents, following a public meeting in November of last year. Plot holders have now begun digging and planting on their new allotments ahead of the spring season. The allotments came about as a result of a petition by local resident Melody King and Selborne Parish Council, together with help from the allotment regeneration initiative. Local offenders carrying out unpaid work orders, went about creating the plots ready for this spring. The local offenders, led by volunteer work supervisor Jerry Payne and ably helped by allotment-holder John Walsha, have been working every Thursday on site and often in bad weather, erecting deer and rabbit fencing around the entire site making it secure from wandering wildlife. Many plot holders have already planted fruit trees, made small benches and installed water butts and composters; one plot holder has even created a small frog pond to help keep the slugs and snails at bay. The parish council is also hoping to secure a small grant to plant a hedgerow around the perimeter of the site to encourage butterflies and other insects which act as pollinators. A second site to the north of the village is also being prepared for allotments with another nine plots which have already been snapped up by residents.
