Slopefield allotments awarded Distinction in 2015 It's Your Neighbourhood assessment

"The distinction highlights the enthusiasm of the plotters and their strong links with Airyhall Primary School and the James Hutton Institute.

The Aberdeen-based Slopefield Allotment Association have achieved the top award of 'Outstanding' once again in the It's Your Neighbourhood 2015 assessment. This is the third year in a row that the Association has been awarded an 'Outstanding', which highlights the commitment and enthusiasm of the plotters, and their strong links with the local community including Airyhall Primary School and the James Hutton Institute.

In addition, Slopefield was nominated for and has received an It's Your Neighbourhood National Certificate of Distinction this year; this is a fantastic accolade which is only given to a small number of groups who have done consistently well over a period of time. Around 140 groups from around Scotland took part in the IYN campaign this year.

Slopefield Allotment Association encourages plotters to work together to improve this allotment site of around 100 plots. The group has developed a great community spirit and works on different projects at its monthly community days. Ongoing projects include continuing to improve its community and school plots, encouraging wildlife by planting verges with wildflowers, and creating hedges of native fruit trees. The group also monitors biodiversity and encourages recycling and composting.

In 2013 the James Hutton Institute supported the construction of the Hutton Hut at the Slopefield allotments to support the local plotter community, pupils from Airyhall Primary School and others in their learning journey about growing their own food and caring for the soil and the environment.