Children North East have planted a special tree in their award-winning allotment at Benwell Lane, to commemorate them winning the Urban Green award for 'Best Community Plot'.
It is a special achievement for the young people involved with the allotment, so they decided to plant an apple tree, nicknamed 'Goldie', as a reminder of the work they have put in. The apple tree was also chosen to create a legacy for the hard work and dedication of over 100 young people, which saw them beat off the competition from more than 3,000 allotments in Newcastle.
In coming years, the apples will be used by the charity in cooking sessions at the drop-ins for young people that they run across the city. Through this, the charity will be able to show teens the benefits of growing their own food and cooking for themselves.
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Alana Dunton, youth worker with Children North East has spoken about running sessions at the allotment and what the young people are getting out of working in the allotment.
"As a youth worker running sessions at the allotment, I find the amount of time, love and hard work the young people put into caring for the plot incredibly moving. Whatever the weather, they come out to grow, build and mend, adding something of their own to this community space.
"It felt important to do something special to mark this award for the young people, who chose together to plant the new tree. Often they don't see the outcomes of their individual contributions but this tree marks a shared milestone, a tribute to something they should all be proud of."
Gavin Cassidy, the local food and allotments officer at Urban Green Newcastle presented the children with the award.
He said: “One of the things that most impressed the judges about the Children’s North East allotment was its ability to bring young people together in a safe, welcoming space where they can learn new skills and experience the health and wellbeing benefits that come from spending time in nature.
“Many children don’t have access to a green space at home, so community areas like allotments are so important in educating young people about the natural world – everything from planting and growing food to caring for the wildlife and the environment.
“All the skills they learn on the allotment will benefit them in later life too; boosting their confidence, improving their self-esteem, and broadening their opportunities.
“Children’s North East and all the young people they work with should be very proud of what they have achieved at Benwell Lane. They are an important part of the local community and give young people the chance to enjoy and explore the great outdoors.”
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