Welbeck Road Allotments Trust in Sandiacre, Derbyshire is celebrating the first year of the new Community Polytunnel, which is 24 feet wide by 72 feet long. This has been a very successful project, providing allotment holders and local school children with the benefits of growing in a large polytunnel.

Large polytunnels are very productive growing spaces, allowing all year round cropping, and the production of more exotic fruits and vegetables. For example, this year's crops included figs, melons, aubergines, peppers, cucumbers, climbing french beans, mushrooms, and winter salad. One plot holder claims to have grown more produce in his polytunnel plot than on his normal allotment.

The polytunnel is divided into 12 tenanted plots, 12 feet by 12 feet, so conforming to allotment law. Rents are low and calculated to pay for a replacement polythene cover every four to five years. The local primary school has a plot in the polytunnel, and the school children have been delighted at the variety and amount of produce they have been able to grow and take home with them.

Funding for the project was provided by a £2,000 grant from the Shell Better Britain Campaign. The polytunnel and accessories were supplied at a generous discount by First Tunnels Ltd.