Volunteers in Peasedown St John have been getting their hands dirty for National Allotment Week.

Held in the middle of August each year, the country-wide initiative aims to protect, promote and preserve allotments. The campaign has been coordinated annually for the last 18 years by the National Allotment Society.

Peasedown Trust Chairman, Gavin Heathcote, said: "The week aims to raise awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of growing, cooking and eating your own fruits and vegetables, as well as the positive impact it can bring to communities.

Gardening is an excellent way to keep active and engaged in the community. Thanks to all the volunteers that helped out with Sunday's event."

Here are some of the many benefits of allotment growing:

Connects you with nature and wildlife

Good for the environment and ecosystem

Sense of pride, achievement and satisfaction

Promotes a healthy lifestyle

Improves physical health and mental well-being.

Helps beat loneliness and allows you to develop friendships with other allotment holders.

Tasty home grown, fresh and seasonal produce!

As well as volunteering at the village allotments, the Community Trust also runs its own Dementia-Friendly community garden.

This year, Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown) has led the team of volunteers looking after it. She said, "Gardening is great for our social, mental and physical wellbeing. It's an opportunity to take a break from the busy world and enjoy the peace which nature provides.

The recent lockdown meant more of us had time to spend in our gardens and appreciate the beauty that nature provides."

For more details about Peasedown Community Trust and to get involved with their projects, write to 33a St John's Close, Peasedown St John, Bath, BA2 8JG, email [email protected], or call 07557 683834.