04/06/2026
Fingers crossed as we find out tonight if Dig Deep has won! A big shout out to Avril Burrows and the Dig Deep Volunteers
Here is the application
Dig Deep is open Thursdays, 10am-3pm. Originally opening in 2008 and has been an allotment since 1952 and is in the middle of a housing estate in South Oxhey. Watford and Three Rivers Trust (W3RT) charity lease the land, and Avril Burrows is the co-ordinator with a core of 12 volunteers who show up rain or shine to nurture this Urban space. It is a safe and inclusive space for people to connect, learn for those who experience loneliness, isolation, physical, emotional and mental health challenges, neurodiversity as well as for experienced gardeners to share their knowledge and for people to learn how to grow their own food, with an ethos of sustainability. Dig Deep supports people facing retirement, unemployment, bereavement and life’s challenges.
One of the main priorities is working with wildlife to increase their presence and biodiversity. No chemicals are used and everything is grown organically including fruit, vegetables which are shared with the local foodbank and community as well as plants and flowers. Volunteers make fruit pies, chutneys and other yummy foods. Companion planting is used to deter insect damage and healthier crops.
Growing food reduces plastic and packaging waste as well is nutritionally beneficial and helps to combat the rising costs of living. We have a polytunnel to grow and propagate seedlings. Selection of plants that are butterfly and wildlife attractive are a huge part of the landscape. There are bug and insect hotels as well as a hibernaculum which is a safe place for creatures to hibernate and take shelter during winter months.
We make compost which is rich in nutrients and use natural pest deterrents. We have attracted foxes, bats, variety of different birds, stag beetles, frogs, newts and butterflies and lots of insects and we have created wildlife areas that are untouched, wood piles, and plants and trees to attract wildlife as well as wildlife pond.
We plant trees and have established varieties of trees in addition to extensive tree surgery to encourage healthy growth and to support the environment. Fences and structures are built using cuttings to encourage more insects and wildlife.
To reduce waste, we make compost from food waste and other items. Pallets are used to build sheds, infra structure as well as hand crafted bird boxes, tables and other items to fundraise. We recycle pots and other items to purchase less and reduce waste. We have introduced watering systems to reduce water consumption and waste.
Self-binding gravel was used to create accessible pathways for wheelchairs and mobility aids as well as to for older people and those unsteady on their feet. We are in the process of building raised beds to create accessible gardening opportunities.
Many of our volunteers are neurodiverse and Dig Deep is a supportive environment where anyone can volunteer or visit to relax and be mindful.
We have maintained some of the original features like the pond where drey horses original watered on their journeys through South Oxhey. There is a rich history in this allotment.
We welcome feedback and input from the local community to create a collaborative, safe and inclusive space which is even more meaningful and impactful. Volunteers are very much part of Dig Deep and you can see their influence and hard work from the moment you open the gate from the painted rocks, bunting, lovingly created and maintained areas to the quirky bird houses made from sneakers, bat homes and wildlife spaces and how relaxed they are with each other. Dig Deep is a wonderful space to connect with others, have time by yourself, learn, nurture, make a difference and flourish in these challenging time.
Future plans include: opening 5 days a week with a café and shop, classrooms and indoor and outdoor spaces for art, Yoga, Pilates and Mindfulness. Dig-Deep will be open to the community, families and schools to encourage people to spend time in nature, grow food with more opportunities for cross generational and cultural interactions as the populations of South Oxhey, Watford and surrounding areas are diverse . There will be a sensory garden and courses in sustainability, green working, upcycling as well as healthy living and eating so becoming even more of a learning and community hub hosting informal workshops as well as Repair Cafes meeting community needs. There will be a focus on resilience and wellbeing in addition to increasing community spirit and building stronger community relationships and support.
Dig Deep deserves to win an award for its long-standing support of local community as well as it’s lived ethos of sustainability, service to wildlife, biodiversity and being an inclusive space where all our welcome. The dedication to reducing waste, improving the environment and growing organic produce to share with the food bank and community in these times of financial challenges. DigDeep has been a haven for almost 20 years.
