For many in Hitchin and north Herts allotments have provided a haven during Covid and lockdown restrictions.

The need for an outdoor space that nurtures the soul as well as the stomach has never been greater.

The requirement for social contact is an intrinsic part of our psyche – and allotments provide an opportunity for gentle communication as well as offering a chance to grow eco-friendly, sustainable, healthy food.

We speak to Tom Walker who works in Hitchin as he shares his positive experiences on having an allotment during lockdown and beyond.

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"It got to the stage where we were telling Jack we would be having pizza – courgette pizza," smiles good-natured Tom at the memory of their attempts to persuade their five-year-old son to eat their ever-growing haul of produce from their allotment.

Whether they are intended for planting seeds that will flourish into fruit and vegetables for nourishing food; or for growing beautiful, colourful flowers to boost spirits, and much-needed endorphins, during challenging times - as well as the associated health benefits gained from physical activity - the fact is allotments are as good for the soul as they are for the planet.

Tom, wife Jo and son Jack have been lucky as they were ahead of the curve.

Piqued by a desire to grow their own food before anyone had heard of the dreaded word Covid, they were lucky enough to take up the offer of an allotment from North Herts District Council earlier this year.

The council oversees a total of 11 allotments across the town and our area including Burford Way, Old Hale Way, Pirton Road and Ransoms Rec – as well as further afield in Letchworth at Wilbury and Norton – and has been inundated with enquiries for plots.

Tom acknowledges the important service they provide in helping him and his family to live a healthier lifestyle, build new friendships with other allotment holders while boosting their local community – and that's without mentioning the satisfaction that comes with growing your own healthy food.

"We actually share our allotment with our neighbours, another family with young children, which has been brilliant," Tom says, adding: "It means that not only are there more hands on deck for watering and weeding, but as physical distancing measures are now slowly easing, it's becoming a nice way to socialise.

"Together, we took over two plots that were overgrown – and in a bit of a state – so our initial approach was that we'd be lucky to get any produce this year. But we worked really hard and it's been amazing to be able to pick your own veg.

"We're all very new to this, but the amount of stuff we've already learnt has been amazing.

"So far, we've had potatoes, lettuce, beetroot, carrots, beans – and courgettes. Lots and lots of courgettes. In fact, that's one lesson we've learnt. Less courgettes next year..."

This month's national allotment week has raised still further the profile of community spaces.

While none of us will ever forget the shockwaves 2020 has sent through our way of life, we simply can't be sure where the repercussions will end.

The coronavirus pandemic and issues fraught with uncertainty relating to looming trade deals have exposed Britain's fragile food provision.

With gossamer thin food supply chains causing concern, our 'new normal' means the once-certain security of assuming supermarkets will always offer fully stocked shelves has been rocked.

No wonder Tom is glad he took the plunge and signed up for an allotment.

"To be honest, we've been saying 'why didn't we do this before'", explained Tom, adding: "We've planted things that we love eating, so to have a guaranteed supply of them is amazing.

"It can be hard work, especially to begin with, but it's all worth it and it actually makes the food taste even better.

"I thought I'd never say this, but there's nothing like tucking into some roast potatoes that you've nurtured from seed and watch grow."

While many of us had unexpected time on our hands during lockdown, Tom and his family put the extra hours to use on their plot.

Yet, their efforts don't have to mean hours of hard labour, or a joyless slog.

Tom explains their plot has been a lifeline during these strange times. A space for shared family fun, a joint goal offering a sense of purpose allied with healthy, outdoor exercise, as much as a place to grow fresh food.

"It's made a huge, positive difference," explained Tom, adding: "Tending to your allotment was one of the few things you were still allowed to do when the lockdown was at its height, so to be able to do something meaningful outside the house kept us sane.

"In fact, we've seen the produce as just a huge plus to something that is really fun anyway."

Demand has outstripped supply in Hitchin following lockdown. NHDC has told Hitchin Nub News there are no plots available in the town.

However, if you are prepared to travel up the road there are currently 10 vacant spaces in Letchworth as of today – with six at Hillbrow, three at Radburn Way and a single slot at Pryor Way.

The council underline that allotments are great for keeping fit, enjoying the outdoors, finding some peace and quiet and of course growing healthy fruit and vegetables, telling Hitchin Nub News: "The allotment community really works together to keep allotment sites tidy and welcoming to all - composting green waste, weeding regularly, disposing of waste responsibly and keeping gates to sites locked so they are only accessible to plot holders."

Then there is the issue of friendship and solidarity among other plot holders.

Tom shares his experiences in making new friends among a gentle but passionate fraternity – packed full of interesting characters.

Tom says: "Oh yes, there are some characters," he recalls with a smile, adding: "The thing to say is that everyone has been so helpful and friendly, especially towards us 'newbies'.

"We kept receiving seedlings from the elder statesmen – anything from beans and lettuce to pumpkins, strawberries and sunflowers – as they loved the fact that there were young families coming in and having a go.

"Those who have had plots for years are also great for advice – although the aforementioned characters can sometimes deliver their guidance in the most hilarious ways.

"One of the gentlemen on our allotment is particularly cutting with his counsel. 'They look dead', or 'we'll, you've mucked those right up, haven't you?' are some of his printable deliveries. But he genuinely means well, and is a bit of a legend among the other plotholders, so you just smile and take his advice – and get rid of whatever he was pointing at with his walking stick while delivering his judgments."

So what's not to like about allotment life?

Perhaps the last word should go to Tom's inquisitive son, Jack, who told Hitchin Nub News: "My favourite part is helping mummy and daddy – there's always lots of jobs to do.

"But I think I might start hiding the courgettes that mummy and daddy are going to pick.

"We've had courgettes for dinner every night for one hundred years now."