News & events from Overpool Allotments
Stay up to date with the latest happenings, important announcements, and upcoming events at the Overpool Allotments Association. We're dedicated to helping our community thrive.
🧺 Picnic at Overpool Allotment Association
Join us on Saturday 5th September, from 2–4pm, for a relaxed afternoon picnic at Overpool Allotment Association. Bring along your own picnic, chairs or a blanket and enjoy good company in the lovely allotment surroundings. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available, with picnic plates also available for just £2. There’ll also be a raffle with prizes to be won. Friends and family are very welcome — we’d love to see you there! 🌿
We're delighted that Cheshire West and Chester Council has featured Overpool Allotments on its website, recognising the hard work and dedication of our plot holders.
Thank you to everyone who contributed information and photos to help tell our story.
👉 Read the case study on the Council's website.From 10–16 August 2026, allotment sites across the UK will come alive for National Allotments Week, celebrating the incredible benefits of allotment gardening for individuals, families and communities.
Grow to Learn
This year's theme is "Grow to Learn – Lifelong lessons from the allotment", highlighting the educational, personal development and wellbeing benefits of spending time on the plot.
What Is National Allotments Week?
Established in 2002, National Allotments Week is an annual celebration dedicated to raising awareness of the vital role allotments play in promoting healthier lifestyles, sustainable living and stronger communities.
Spearheaded by the National Allotment Society (NAS), the week encourages people of all ages to connect with the land, learn new skills and strengthen social bonds.
Allotments are more than just plots to grow food. They are spaces for learning, wellbeing and community connection. They offer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, develop practical and life skills and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
Why Grow to Learn?
Allotments are living classrooms, offering lessons far beyond gardening:
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Patience and resilience
Crops grow at their own pace, and gardeners learn to adapt to challenges such as weather, pests and crop failures. -
Problem-solving and curiosity
Every plot presents unique puzzles, teaching creative solutions and hands-on science. -
Teamwork and sharing
Advice, seeds, tools and knowledge are often shared between plot holders and across generations. -
Lifelong learning
Time on the allotment fosters continuous curiosity, independence and confidence. -
Next-generation engagement
Young people gain valuable life skills and a deeper connection to food and nature.
Spending time on an allotment doesn't just teach you about plants. It supports personal development, mental and physical wellbeing, and practical life skills that last a lifetime.
🌻 Join us during National Allotments Week and discover how allotments help communities grow, learn and thrive together.
🔥 Fire Safety Reminder for Plot Holders
15 July 2026
Following a recent warning from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, we would like to remind all plot holders to take extra care during the current spell of dry weather.
With many allotment sites containing dry grass, timber, compost materials and other combustible items at this time of year, the risk of accidental fires can increase significantly. A small spark or ember can quickly spread through dry vegetation and affect neighbouring plots and surrounding areas.
Why Fire Safety Matters
Allotments are valuable community spaces that provide opportunities to grow food, support wildlife and bring people together. Taking simple precautions helps protect not only individual plots but also fellow tenants, local wildlife and nearby properties.
BBQs and Open Flames
While there is currently no ban on barbecues, plot holders are strongly encouraged to avoid using BBQs on allotment sites wherever possible until conditions improve.
Even when used responsibly, barbecues and other open flames can produce sparks or hot embers that may ignite dry grass, weeds and other materials.
How You Can Help
- Check your plot regularly for potential fire hazards.
- Take care when using equipment that could create sparks.
- Dispose of smoking materials safely and responsibly.
- Remain alert to potential hazards in communal areas.
- Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999.
Thank You for Your Support
By taking a few simple precautions, we can all play a part in keeping our allotment community safe throughout the summer.
🌱 Thank you for your continued cooperation and support in helping to protect our plots, wildlife and fellow allotment holders.