The air of mystique which sometimes surrounds allotments will be lifted for 6 days in August this year, when National Allotments Week takes place across the UK.

Organised as a joint venture by the National Allotment Gardens Trust and the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners - the national body representing allotment holders and vegetable gardeners in the UK - the event will run from Monday August 13th until the 19th.

During the 6 day event, local allotment sites are being urged to throw their gates open to the public with the aim of demonstrating the social benefits of allotments and promoting the awareness and availability - or non-availability, in certain cases - of allotments.

Visitors - such as school groups, councillors and local clubs - will be able to witness first hand the advantages well-kept allotments can bring to the local area, such as enhancing the environment by creating and maintaining green spaces, encouraging camaraderie and community spirit and, of course, the production of fresh fruit and vegetables.

And in areas where no allotments currently exist, it will also hopefully encourage individuals to lobby their local authority to provide an allotment site, which is a statutory council obligation.

The National Allotment Gardens Trust recommend that any allotment societies who wish to take part in the event contact their local council for advice in the first instance, but further details can be obtained from the Trust themselves by e-mailing Neil Dixon, the National Allotments Week Co-ordinator.

For a list of events already scheduled to take place during the week, visit the National Allotment Gardens Trust.