The allotment is not a new phenomenon. However, it is one area of environmentalism that is becoming increasingly important in urban areas and to a younger generation struggling with child obesity, non-nutritional processed foods and boredom.

Figures from the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG) estimate that there are approximately 300,000 allotments in England on 7,800 allotment sites, a total of 25,393 acres of land use. However, this only equates to one allotment per 65 households.

Obviously, this does not tell the whole story, since many households have "allotment-sized" gardens and are able to grow their own fruit and vegetables there. But there is a growing trend of young families taking up allotment tenancy in the past five years, particularly in areas of the country where new housing developments have restricted the size of garden available to them - and in many cases no garden at all.

The Grow It! show area at Gardeners' World Live has put the spotlight on this trend with a view to encouraging the youth of today to start getting involved with "growing your own".

Aside from the family-friendly stands and demonstrations, a "Family Sunday" on June 18 will feature a children's trail that takes parents and children around various gardens and exhibitions, introducing them to growing techniques and inviting them to have a go themselves.

Monty Don, garden writer and broadcaster, said: "It is vital for our younger generations to experience the opportunities that growing fruit and vegetables offers. They can learn where food comes from and how to grow crops free of chemical enhances - and get some exercise at the same time."

The NSALG, which was formed in 1930, seeks to promote allotment gardening not only as a source of economic wealth to families and a healthy form of recreation but also as a vital component of conservation. It supplies seed and free advice to members and supports local allotment groups in their battle against ever-encroaching new housing and development schemes.

English Nature, in partnership with the Rural Development agency and the Countryside Agency has produced a booklet called Wildlife on Allotments which cites the value of allotments in conserving wildlife, especially in towns and cities.

The agency has also published other titles on variety of natural gardening topics, including Plants for Wildlife-friendly Gardens and Composting and Peat-free Gardening, and has an interactive CD entitled Gardening with Wildlife in Mind with descriptions and photographs of some 500 plants and 300 more common garden creatures.

A series of free downloadable leaflets is also available at http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Nature_In_The_Garden/

For more information on the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners, visit www.nsalg.org.uk

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