The National Coal Mining Museum has announced its brand-new allotment, a vibrant and thriving space which makes the most of the museum's stunning green areas while celebrating the strong connection between mining communities and growing food.

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of volunteers and local community groups, the allotment is already flourishing and becoming an important feature of the much-loved heritage attraction.

This new project puts a spotlight on allotments, which have been closely tied to mining communities for generations.

After long and demanding shifts underground, miners would often head to their plots to grow fresh produce for their families.

placeholder image — The National Coal Mining Museum, in Wakefield, is proud to announce its brand-new allotment

These allotments were not only a vital supplement to household income but also supported wellbeing and offered an important connection to the land.

Today, that same spirit of hard work and community is being brought to life at the Museum through the allotment. It is an important space for learning, collaboration and reflection.

So far, volunteers have planted a diverse range of crops, including tomatoes, chard, pumpkin, beetroot, rhubarb, strawberries, potatoes, leeks, coriander, sweetcorn, red and spring onions, and even giant Russian sunflowers.

As the seasons progress, the allotment will continue to grow, bloom and provide fresh opportunities for engagement and education.

To mark National Allotment Week, which takes place from August 10 to 16, the museum will be hosting special allotment sessions.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about planting, discover the wide variety of fruit and vegetables being grown in the museum's new allotment and find out about the historical importance of allotments within mining communities.

The sessions will take place on Wednesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 13.

The museum is also delighted to announce that it has received funding through Wakefield Council's Community Investment Gateway programme to support Mining Roots, Green Shoots, a new two-year partnership project with Spectrum People which connects heritage, nature and wellbeing.

Inspired by the important role that green spaces play in supporting health and community, the project will offer inclusive gardening opportunities, creative activities and therapeutic wellbeing sessions for adults experiencing poor mental health, social isolation, low physical activity levels and long-term health conditions.

Activities will take place at the allotment, along the museum’s nature trail, as well as Appletree Community Garden in Agbrigg. Both weekday and weekend sessions will be available to ensure the programme is as accessible as possible.

Together with Spectrum People, the museum will create welcoming opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn new skills, build confidence and improve their wellbeing, while celebrating the rich heritage of mining communities.

Mining Roots, Green Shoots is funded by Wakefield Council through the Community Investment Gateway.

Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum for England, said: "There is an incredibly strong link between mining history and allotments, and it's wonderful that we can bring one to the museum.

"They are a brilliant way to bring people together, improve wellbeing and create a huge sense of pride and satisfaction as crops and flowers begin to grow. It adds another dimension to our already stunning outdoor spaces.

"We welcome people to come along and follow the journey of our allotment as it changes with every season.

"A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers and community groups who have made this project possible. We are also thrilled to have secured Community Investment Gateway funding for Mining Roots, Green Shoots.

"This exciting partnership with Spectrum People will help even more people experience the wellbeing benefits of gardening and connecting with nature, while exploring the heritage of our mining communities."