In a bid to reduce their ever-increasing food bills, the headquarters of the Cornwall RSPCA in Quoit has created their own vegetable patch.

The plot will grow food for the rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, ferrets and even hamsters that find themselves at the centre looking for new homes, alongside cats and dogs.

The branch’s volunteer community officer Stuart Hammond said: “Having owned an allotment in Hampshire prior to ‘emigrating’ to Cornwall I volunteered to take on the responsibility for said patch to which a donated lean-to greenhouse has now been added. 

“There is a potting shed and cold frame which allow me to start salad crops and early vegetables, grown from seed kindly donated by members of the public, in warm conditions and the raised beds are home to lettuces, carrots, spring onions, rocket, mixed leaves and other suitable greens throughout spring, summer and autumn whilst another bed houses strawberries which are popular with both furry friends and staff. 

“The greenhouse enables heavy crops of tomatoes and cucumbers to be added to the menu and I also grow runner beans, climbing French beans, courgettes, new potatoes, brussels sprouts and sweet corn in the flat areas, again, any excess crops going to the staff in return for a contribution to the cash pot in reception.

"A line of fruit trees, apples and cherry, border the secure area and I intend to add blackcurrant bushes and raspberry canes next year.  

“All is being snugged down for the winter now and the contents of the four compost bins being spread to enrich the soil. I enjoy maintaining the “patch” and it keeps me fit out in the fresh air and Cornish rain at times.”