At a quiet, secluded spot amongst the bustling Batley streets there are people industriously beavering away, planting, digging-over, composting, tending and watching as their labours bear fruit...and veg.

Two of the new plot holders at Wilton Park Allotments, off Woodland Road, are 29-year-old IT worker Jason Turner, and 33-year-old civil servant Adele Hunneybell.

Jason is new to the 'grow your own' experience but has been keen on the idea since trying a friend's home-grown broccoli.

After being on the waiting list for two years, he got his plot six months ago.

Jason, who lives in Birstall, said: "I've always been eco-friendly. Too much of our fruit and veg comes from overseas.

"I put my name down everywhere before I got this plot, but it's perfect.
"There's a good mix of people here and I'm learning from others.

"I spend too much time sat at a desk, so this is my gym membership – and it's productive."

Adele, of Carlinghow, got her plot in February after being on two waiting lists for three years.

She said: "I haven't got a garden so I can't grow at home. You need space to potter about and try things out. I'm planting some spinach, cauliflower and salad veg and I've got some radishes coming through. If I get the rotation right I'll have salad veg every week.

"I'm from a gardening family and my dad's been helping out. There's a nice group of people up here. My husband plays a lot of golf so that's when I come here."

In the plot next to Adele is Sally Emmerson, who has been establishing her well-stocked allotment for almost 30 years.

She said: "I don't know why more people don't have them. I've always enjoyed growing and it's a lovely site here."

Sally, who grows everything from gooseberries to globe artichokes, tends her plot two or three times a week.

Her message to anyone thinking of taking the plunge?

"Don't be afraid of some hard work and getting your hands dirty. It's great fun and you can grow some interesting stuff that tastes great."