ST MACHAR ACADEMY FARM/ALLOTMENT PROJECT

The original idea was first mooted at St Machar Academy around 4 years ago.  The first concept for the plan was based around the creation of a small farm housing small animals which school students could feed and care for. However, staff promotions and changes passed this original concept on with development changes focussing more on a community allotment style of project and based on starting with a polytunnel as an anchor facility.  

The Club first became involved after our work with got involved because of the work we do with Powis Community Centre and in particular the creation of the playpark and the tree planting programme which we undertook. Our members are active in St Machar Academy in a number of ways and the school saw some further potential to develop our relationship. Club member, Alan Pirie, was invited to a meeting at the school to discuss whether or not we might be able to help and things moved on from there.

Support and engagement from Aberdeen City Council allowed the south eastern corner of the school playing field to be allocated to the project and get fenced off. During the concept development, the School managed to arrange sufficient funding ti let them purchase a polytunnel. However, the mechanics of how this would be erected were  beyond their means. It was at this point that St Machar Rotary became involved led by  Alan P. 

The Club agreed to help with and work on the project. Our first steps tied in with the Powis Planting scheme with more young bush and tree “whips” being acquired and planted on the site perimeter.

A Club team was then put together, we studied the site and liaised with the polytunnel supplier.  The Club arranged for detailed site survey undertaken by CHAP Group. A work plan was  drawn up and, with 4 days work over a 3 week period in May 2024, the St Machar Polytunnel appeared on the landscape.  

Getting the Polytunnel up and established seemed to spur on impetus on the project. For the Allotment plan to progress, other facilities were needed and storage for tools and equipment was high on the list.  The Academy managed to arrange supply of a top quality steel container. Club members leveraged their contacts network and brought in CHAP Group who dug out and prepared the area for the container which was put in position in late 2024.

Alongside this, Club members continued work in and around the polytunnel getting it ready for full use.