FORGET heading to the sandwich shop for lunch – staff at a Cheltenham organisation have been growing their own food.
Ucas, based in New Barn Lane, Prestbury, has created a purpose-built allotment in the grounds of its headquarters.
Eleven separate, raised beds have been built at the site, together with a shed where equipment can be put in place.
It will give staff the chance to experience growing their own produce.
The plots were opened yesterday, and food waste from the building will now be recycled into a compost heap for the new gardeners.
An allotment group has also been formed to recruit more members.
Called You Grow, the group will start growing its own vegetables and fruit.
It coincides with National Gardening Week, which starts this Sunday.
Seven plots had been taken up, with another four still available for adoption. Jean Chatelain, chairman of You Grow, said: "It started with the suggestion during a social meeting with the directors.
"They have taken the suggestion forward and it ran rather well, with Ucas trying to be more environmentally conscious.
"At the moment, it has just got warm enough to start planning, although the soil might still be slightly hard for it.
"I've planted some garlic in the autumn, and some Japanese onions which have been growing over the winter.
"I've already put in some Jerusalem artichokes and they do grow into a tremendous crop."
The team leader started growing her own vegetables as a hobby, and hopes to spread the passion to more of her colleagues.
"I first started getting interested in gardening when I got my first house many years ago, and when you've been bitten by the bug, that's it," she added.
"If people do decide to get into gardening, there are still a few plots available. It is a great way to distress after a day's work, and if we have any extra produce, we do tend to share it around and let people help themselves."
Jovita Milanes, health and safety environmental advisor at Ucas said: "We were keen to give staff, some of who don't have the space at home, the opportunity to grow their own food.
"People get a lot of pleasure in knowing that they've grown and nurtured something from seed, not to mention the cost saving and health benefits."
There is a massive waiting list in Cheltenham for allotments with an average of 57 people waiting for every 100 plots.
There is a total of 846 plots in the borough.
