PROPERTY owners at top Derbyshire park home estate Merebrook have responded to the government backed national campaign to get people to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

The residents have been given their own allotments by the side of the river Derwent at the south end of the park, an initiative that follows the park’s Gold Award in the David Bellamy Conservation Scheme. Prof Bellamy described Merebrook as a “true green champion” after it featured among the front-runners in his nationwide environmental competition.

 “The allotment idea came from a group of our residents who fancied returning to the theme of TV’s The Good Life in true Richard Briars style,” said park owner, Adrian Daley. “We had already created an eco-friendly living environment and the allotment idea takes this a step further.”

Merebrook has given property owners their own plots free of charge and has provided a water supply to the allotments. The green-fingered enthusiasts have built their own raised beds, planted flowers, fruit trees and vegetables. And residents Tom and Ross Kitchen are keeping rare breed chickens on their plot, too.
Merebrook Park at Whatstandwell is set in a UNESCO World Heritage site at the foot of the Peak District. The family-owned park underwent massive redevelopment in 2005 to provide over 50 luxurious residential properties in a tranquil setting.

Amongst its many natural attractions are careful landscaping and walks through mature woodland at the side of the river Derwent which provide valuable habitats for many animal, bird and plant species.

Other environment-friendly initiatives have included the creation of water features, the installation of bat boxes, plus the planting of indigenous trees and shrubs and the sowing of flowers with high pollen-bearing blooms which draw a wide range of butterflies.

Owners can also take advantage of exclusive fishing rights and river access along the beautiful river Derwent, which borders the estate.
The park currently has four new properties available, including an exclusive riverside home.


• For more information, tel: 01773 856600, website: www.merebrookliving.com.


This news story was first published in the July 2009 issue of Park & Holiday Homes.