A Wallingford woman is celebrating having the best allotment in the town in September. 

Wallingford Town Council presented the Best Allotment Shield to Alina Urban for her outstanding work on allotment H35 on Sunday, September 28. 

Since 1979, the council has awarded this prestigious shield to the best-kept allotment in the town.

This year’s competition focused on the Highcroft allotments, with judges assessing plots based on ‘diversity’ – including a variety of plant species, structural diversity, and creative use of materials.

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Best allotment (Image: Mike Acreman) The judging panel, consisting of Steve Holder and Mike Acreman, chair and vice-chair of the council’s parks, gardens, allotments, and open spaces committee, were particularly impressed by the high standard of allotments, especially given the relatively recent allocation of plots.

Alina expressed her pride in receiving the award, sharing that her five-year-old daughter, Ester, played a key role in shaping the allotment’s concept and enthusiastically helped with planting and maintenance.

The event was accompanied by refreshments provided by the Wallingford Allotments and Gardens Society (WAGS).

Co-chairs Carolyn Ventress and Sue Acreman shared exciting news about the society’s revitalisation efforts, with participants offering ideas for future activities, including a workshop on plant propagation.

Wallingford Town Council congratulated Alina and thanked all the allotment holders who contribute to the vibrant community spaces in the town.

For more details about the town council, visit wallingfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.