The former seat of the Earls of Lincoln - Kingston Lacy estate in Dorset
The National Trust is showing its support for the grow your own crusade by creating 1000 community allotments by 2012.
74 historic houses across Britain have agreed to hand over land for growing fruit and vegetables.
From small parcels of soil for novice gardeners to large areas for community groups or schools, the land is available to rent through the website Landshare.
The National Trust is one of Britain’s biggest landowners, and could produce £1.5million worth of food.
Director General of the National Trust Fiona Reynolds said: “There’s something in the air. More and more people want to grow their own.”
In May, 118 new community allotments were opened at the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy Estate in Dorset, thanks to a £102,000 grant from the Big Lottery Local Food Fund and £30,000 from local action group Sowing Seeds.
The six-acre former kitchen garden site is providing growing space for local people, schools, community groups and housing associations.
TV gardener Monty Don thinks more needs to be done though. He said: “It’s a big step in the right direction. If every organisation and company did the same it would significantly contribute to our national food supply.”
Fiona Reynolds said: “We’re working with Landshare to encourage other landowners to do the same.”
The search for the Good Life 
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