BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE RAILWAY TRACK

Welshmill is one of the older allotment sites in Frome, established around 1925 as part of the post-First World War allotment expansion. Situated between the river Frome and a railway embankment, where the quarry wagons ship out the limestone from the Mendips, it’s a popular site. There are 64 plots of varying sizes as well as raised beds for less mobile gardeners. Along with another seven locations in the town, the site is self-managed by Frome Allotment Association.

Demand for allotments has shot up in Frome with many new applications during the Covid lockdown. Only a few plots have become available as people have enjoyed the benefit of an allotment. It’s a five-year wait for a plot.

ALISTAIR

“I don’t dig but I’m not a no-dig gardener,” says Alistair Wood. He thinks about it for a few seconds as he ponders the apparent contradiction. “I think no dig is fine if you are on a farm and have a ready supply of compost, enough for two-inch