Update 2011
The forst of the collection tanks is in production we're hoping to have it in place before the 2012 season!
History
In 2008 the allotments benefited from a rain water harvesting project.
Waste plastic containers were sourced locally from Patak’s Foods Limited in Leigh, Lancashire. These were converted into water collection barrels. They were joined together using waste pipes from recycled washing machines donated by the charity Furniture Matters.
The project was funded by Lancaster District Local Strategic Partnership, Lancaster City Council and Green Partnership Awards.
Now & Next
Our site extension project has given us funding to site a larger water collection area on the new plots. Once this is complete and tested we intend to replace the containers near the mains supply taps with similar water collection areas reducing the need for the mains supply.
We now have the first 'rain harvester' under construction (October 2010) and hope to have it in place before the long hot spring and summer of 2011!