Went to the allotment on Tuesday and there were two pied wagtails by the side of the pond. Not so good is the fact that the badgers are obviously visiting because they are turning the new turves over to see what is edible underneath. We may have to net this until it gets established.

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Thanks to a lot of hard work from Dave we have now completed construction of the pond, together with an attractive surround of turf and a shallow 'beach' area to allow wildlife to access the water for a drink or a bath. We are just watching anxiously to see if the pebbles/gravel on the sloping beach area migrates into the bottom of the pond. It was pointed out that we have quite a lot of gnat larvae on the surface of the pond but Carol has said she thinks this is something common when ponds are first set up but that after the pond has settled down the larvae will disappear. So, we will wait to see what happens. In the meantime we are rather proud of our new pond and await with interest to see which wild creatures decide to visit or make it their home.

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For some weeks now we have been digging away to make a wildlife pond in our 'quiet corner' of the plot. We are making a willow arbour and have plans to make a seat from reuseable materials - pallets and the like. Anyone who can help with making the seat please get in touch! The pond is now fully dug and lined and is partially filled with water. We've just got to make a shallow area for 'marginal' plants and then we will wait to see what little creatures decide to make our pond their home. We plan to have a dip (just a jam jar, not us swimming!) a month after the pond is set up to see what is living there. Be great if we could go dipping regularly and keep a record of what is in the pond ... frogs? those little creatures who skate on the surface? even sticklebacks or minnows? As you can see my knowledge of just what is in a pond is pretty limited - wouldn't it be great if someone with an interest and some knowledge would come along to help us make a 'log' of life in our pond? Nothing too heavy or time consuming .. but fun and a lot of learning!

Watch this space for the ongoing story of pond life in Leigh!

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A couple of weeks ago a yellow post appeared at the front of our plot. This was to show judges where to look when they were judging all the allotment sites in Southend. We were entered into the category for new starters. Overall Manchester Drive came first in Southend and out plot came third in the new plots category - we were very pleased with that!

We are also entered in the Southend in Bloom competition. The judging for this is mid-July I think. By that time our front flower border will look wonderful - so here's hoping!!

The plot is looking truly wonderful - if you haven't been over for a while you will see a huge difference so do come and feast your eyes.

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We had a lovely time, but it has to be said that it was cold - not good enough for the 19th June. Plenty to eat and drink so a good time was had.

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Plans are in hand for a mid summer party at DIG IN on Saturday 19 June. Watch this space for more detail. Be nice if you could come along to join in the fun.

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I spent a lovely couple of hours at the plot today with only the birds for company most of the time. It had rained earlier in the day and the smell from the earth was wondrous. Everything is bursting forth and the plot looks wonderful.

I'm thinking that if we manage to get another award of cash we could buy a petrol strimmer. I'm not really keen on them - noisy and risk damaging creatures - but I think we are going to have a hard time keeping the grass under control without one. Any thoughts on that?

I worked on the 'quiet corner' - a wildlife pond and a willow arbour under which I plan to put a seat. My son Leon, who is keen on woodwork, said he will make us a seat out of any wood which is lying around. He said the pallets might not be strong enough wood (we need a seat which will support two or three heavy people!) If you see any old tree trunks or sturdy logs please let me know.

Then I got thinking ... wouldn't it be nice to have a little (waterproof) book to look through while resting in the quiet corner? Then I thought some more .. wouldn't it be nice if members of our group would each contribute to a book something which they find inspiring/beautiful/peaceful or whatever. Perhaps a little saying - perhaps a little poem - perhaps a little drawing.

So, if you have something you would like to put in our quiet moments book please let me have it. I envisage the book being A5 in size so you can either just send the words over and I'll format them on to a page or you might like to produce the full A5 page (perhaps illustrated) yourself then I'll laminate it. I think it would be best to laminate each page before binding them together in some way. Perhaps then keep the book in a plastic bag in the shed.

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It has been a great weekend - weather beginning to really feel like spring and we have made great strides at the plot. There has been a load of digging on the new plot and we have covered a large area ready for planting the potatoes. We erected the two frames for the raspberries as well and the raspbery canes have been transplanted to their new bed - it looks really good. The next big job is erecting the frame for the fruit cage. All hands on deck for that I guess!!

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''The latest news is that we have been given permission to take over the adjacent plot to ours which means lots of hard work - and even more good food this year!

I visited Growing Together this morning and John Williams told me that he is keen to find new projects to send their volunteers to to expand their experience and gain confidence. I told him we would welcome new workers.

So, we are currently deciding what to plant in our new extended plot. Some fruit trees and lots more besides ... Don't miss out: come along soon and get stuck in, you can be sure of a warm welcome!

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We've recently updated our WEN allotment display board so if you know anywhere we could display it so we can spread the word and recruit new members please let us know. Part of the display is a record of our produce for the year which reads like this -

Since taking over the plot less than 12 months ago we’ve harvested ...

167 lbs potatoes 220 lbs tomatoes 26 lbs of runner beans (plus a few Berlotti) 16 lbs of onions Sweet corn (the badgers liked them too!) Carrots (some were a bit small) Fennel Chard (we’ve tried some new recipes) Lettuce (lots) Sweet peas Sunflowers (we’ve left the seed heads for the birds) Garlic Horseradish (it was in residence when we arrived!) Shallots Parsley (its still going strong) Basil Beetroot Cabbages Cauliflowers

During the winter months we might not always be at the allotment for our usual sessions but if you fancy going along just to see how the plot is going or to help us with some winter tidying up tasks please get in touch to arrange for someone to be there. Otherwise you might find the gate locked.

Friday mornings Eileen on 01268 752264 or week-ends Carol on 01702 342148.

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