A GROUP of artists and writers from across Bury and Bolton has opened an exhibition in the Lake District.

The Slug Society is presenting ‘Re: Allotted’ at the Sugar Store Gallery, Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, South Lakeland.

It is the third public exhibition put on by the society, whose members share a passion for and interest in allotments, food production, nature and the environment.

The exhibition uses prints, paintings, textiles, photographs, sculpture and text to explore the social, political, community and environmental themes around allotments.

One of the artists, and exhibition curator, Maggie Hargreaves said: “Allotments are important oases in many towns and cities, where people can go and become involved for a multitude of reasons.

“There is a growing interest in allotment gardening from many sectors of our society as we seek healthier and happier lifestyles, reducing environmental impacts and rekindling community spirit.

“This exhibition explores the many aspects of allotment gardening and raise awareness of topical environmental issues.”

Mrs Hargreaves, from Ramsbottom, said the community centre — which hosts a cinema, theatre and workshops — will allow the group to show its work to a larger number of people.

“Of course there are also a lot of tourists in that area so our work will be seen by a wide audience,” she added.

“There is a mix of traditional pieces of art and more abstract work, with paintings, drawings, but also work from photographers and written pieces.”

The society began when a small team of artists, lead by Margaret Jackson and Mrs Hargreaves, decided to help the North West Counties Allotments Association stage an art exhibition at the Southport Flower Show in 2015. The stand won a gold medal.

The group then formally became the Slug Society and in August 2016 staged its first exhibition, ‘Allotted’, at the Neo:gallery in Bolton’s Market Place. A smaller exhibition at Bolton’s St George’s Gallery followed in January/February this year. The society was then invited to stage this larger exhibition at the Brewery Arts Centre Kendal. The exhibition is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sundays 10am to 5pm, until September 2.