Athboy allotments shortlisted for calor sustainable community award

Athboy Tidy Towns' allotments have been shortlisted as the Meath nominee for the Calor Sustainable Community Champion initiative, which aims to find the most green or sustainable community on the island.

The community-focused allotments in Athboy have placed eco-friendly and sustainable living at the centre of the town for a number of years.

The Athboy Tidy Towns allotments leases four acres of land from Meath County Council to provide the community with an area to grown their own food and produce.

The 17 allotments are managed organically and the site includes a native hedgerow, orchard, composting facilities, shed, wildflower area, outdoor classroom, willow sculptures and rainwater harvesting.

In 2014, the group did not use any water from the local mains supply.

Speaking on behalf of Athboy Tidy Towns allotments, local TT chairperson Mary Flood said: 'The importance of our allotments is partly reflected in our competition successes to date. In 2012 they were highly commended at the National Tidy Towns Sustainable Award.'

She added: 'The Eighth Meath Scouts' allotment won the best youth award 2010 at Meath Pride of Place and this year we have been shortlisted for an Ellison Award. We can guarantee any monetary award would be put to good use and further improve this special place.'

The winner of the first Calor Sustainable Community Champion 2014 will receive €1,500 and a bursary of €7,500 to donate to their nominated charity or local organisation.

The winner will be chosen by a judging panel led by Síle Seoige. She will be joined by sports broadcaster Micheál O'Muircheartaigh, Northern Ireland broadcaster Denise Watson and Calor's Niamh Haughey as judges.

The Calor Sustainable Community Champion 2014 will be announced on 29th October.

 

 

Voting for the Calor Sustainable Community Champion is open.

 

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