Government scheme set to bring urban gardening to the masses

Gardeners across Britain are set to benefit from a new government scheme aimed at transforming waste land into public allotments, it has been announced.

With growing numbers of Britons investing in greenhouses or converting their gardens into mini allotments and growing their own produce, ministers are set to establish a national landbank over the next few months, with this giving green-fingered enthusiasts improved access to plots suitable for cultivation in their area.

Specifically, it is intended that a special website will give tens of thousands of Britons access not only to information on unused sites, but also to useful gardening tips, such as how best to work with the local community and what types of produce can be grown out of doors and what need to be grown in a greenhouse.

Announcing the launch of the scheme, communities secretary John Denham said: "We are making it easier for community groups and keen gardeners to access the hundreds of acres of un-used land.

"This will mean communities can grow their own food while brightening up the neighbourhood by turning unloved spaces into fragrant herb gardens and abundant vegetable or flower beds."

Just recently, the National Trust announced plans to open up 1,000 allotments on land around its stately homes between now and 2012.