# Ellon Community Allotments

## Details

- **Country:** Scotland
- **Charity number:** SC052495
- **Known as:** ECA
- **Status:** Active
- **Legal form:** SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
- **Registered:** April 19, 2023
- **Register:** https://www.oscr.org.uk/about-charities/search-the-register/charity-details?number=SC052495


## Contact

- **Address:** 16 Hillhead Road, Ellon
- **Postcode:** AB41 9FL



## Activities

**Activities:** &#x27;It carries out activities or services itself&#x27;

**Purposes:** &#x27;the advancement of health&#x27;,&#x27;the provision of recreational facilities, or the organisation of recreational activities, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities or activities are primarily intended&#x27;,&#x27;the advancement of environmental protection or improvement&#x27;

**What the charity does:** ECA is developing an allotment site on the outskirts of Ellon to be used by citizens in the Ythan Community Council area. We have planning permission to develop at site at Balmacassie and have leased it from Aberdeenshire Council for an initial 20 year term.  The project combines development of a community growing facility with a focus on  the health benefits and climate smart features which reduce carbon emissions, increase carbon capture and conserve water. We provide recreational facilities to improve the wellbeing of members, by providing affordable spaces for cultivation of vegetables, fruit, herbs and plants, and opportunities to keep physically, mentally, and socially active. We are an inclusive allotment facility that includes plots with easy access beds for people with disabilities or physical conditions who would otherwise find ground level growing activities challenging. Members also accrue physical and mental health benefits from the activities associated with growing

**Objectives:** 1. To provide recreational facilities, and the organisation of recreational   activities, with the object of improving the wellbeing of the participating   members, by providing affordable allotment spaces for cultivation of   vegetables, fruit, herbs and plants, and opportunities to keep physically,   mentally and socially active.  2. To provide an inclusive allotment facility that includes a number of    allotments with easy access and waist-height beds for the use of people with  disabilities or physical conditions that would otherwise experience difficulty or  challenges with growing activities.  3. To provide environmental benefits by raising awareness of food waste and food miles, by increasing biodiversity, encouraging composting to reduce waste, providing habitat for wildlife, encouraging pollinators, encouraging water conservation and reduced use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.  4. To provide participating members with the facilities and skills for    &#x27;grow-your-own&#x27; cultivation, thereby giving them access to fresh,    healthy and nutritious food that may not be accessible or affordable   otherwise and to assist in offsetting on-going cost of living increases by   cultivating their own food with the support of a  group of like-minded growers  and communal facilities that will increase the chances of individuals   achieving success.  5. To provide participating members with the opportunity to gain physical and   mental health benefits from the activities associated with growing and    gardening which are known to improve physical fitness and assist attributes   such as strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, and to reduce stress,   anxiety and depression, and the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  6. To provide participating members with a sense of accomplishment, purpose  and community involvement by being involved in a group of like-minded people, by organising and encouraging participation in events and local workshops, educational talks, and working collaboratively with local   organisations, neighbours and local authority bodies.





## Areas of operation

- **Main operating location:** Aberdeenshire
- **Geographical spread:** A specific local point, community or neighbourhood






