My plot when I took it on last January
I am one of the lucky ones, I have an allotment. Not only that it only costs me £10, I have a standpipe right next to my plot and no charge for the water. I know I’m lucky but I didn’t realise quite how so lucky until a read the recent data from the University of Leicester about allotments.
There are over 86,000 people across the country waiting for an allotment but this figure might not be a true reflection of the number of people who want a plot as several councils have now closed their lists and therefore do not record the numbers of people who do not even make it onto a waiting list.
Using the Freedom of Information Act the researchers discovered there is a massive variance in allotment charges. Runnymede Borough Council charges 55p per square metre, the most expensive in England, in contrast Bolsover District Council charges only 1p per square metre. My own plot is approximately 114 square metres and costs just over 11p per square metre. The average size plot apparently is 250 square metres and costs 15p per square metre.
I don’t yet know how much my rent for the allotment will be for next year but I’m hoping it doesn’t increase by 207%, the amount by which Cannock Chase District Council increased its allotment rent between 2008 and 2011, with rent going from £36.90 to £108.92!!!! Charges this high do seem excessive and against the spirit of allotments. I would imagine these sorts of prices would exclude some people, probably those who benefit the most.
One of the biggest problems seems to be that this research by the University of Leicester is the first real study into allotments and highlights the difficulty in accessing information about waiting lists, numbers, plot sizes etc. For example, Birmingham has 115 allotment sites but data is only available for 18. When waiting lists are quite long and it takes a long time for plots to be reallocated, many people on the waiting list may have moved or changed their minds and not contacted the relevant person to take their names off the list.
It also seems that plot sizes are getting smaller as councils are dividing up plots. Smaller plots might not be such a bad thing, if it makes them more manageable for people. However, with no data recording this change, councils could use division of plots as a substitute for providing new land for new allotments.
The right for people to have their own bit of land goes back as far as the Saxons when woodland would be cleared for common land. This land, gradually over the centuries, was enclosed by the ruling classes but to compensate tenants were given small plots of land attached to their cottages and this is the first recorded use of the term ‘allotment’. It was in the late 19th century that Government passed the first ‘Allotment Act’ to make it a statutory obligation for local councils to provide allotments where there was a need. Since then the popularity of allotments has waxed and wained but with ever increasing food prices, peak oil, GM food and food related health scares it might be that growing some of our own food becomes a necessity rather than a fashionable hobby.
The benefits of allotments are enormous. There is the physical exercise which also benefits the mind, the fresh air, fresh food with fewer or no chemicals, a great sense of satisfaction and the opportunity to meet people.
My plot at the height of summer
I am a happier person because I have my little plot that puts me back in touch with nature and the seasons. Will there be a day when politicians recognise the importance of these plots of land? Will allotments ever make it into a political manifesto? If politicians really believe in Gross National Happiness then maybe they could set up a taskforce to provide communities with the land they want. It might not make anyone any money but we might be fitter, healthier and happier.
For more information about the history of allotments and anything else allotment related allotment.org is a great website.
Data used is taken from the University of Leicester’s research. For more information about this research go to the University of Leicester’s website.
wellywoman 
That is an impressive transformation and has inspired me (with a similar size plot) to increase my cut flower beds next year. It looks lovely especially seeing all those flowers ready to be picked for the house or to give to friends. That’s almost as important as allotment produce on the table and fruit in the freezer..
Interesting stuff – at one time they couldn’t give allotments away – just goes to show how the pendulum swings. I am loving the transformation photo, amazing just what can be achieved when you put your back into it. Looking forward to seeing more plot photos next year.
A thoughtful post WW. Funnily enough I have just paid my allotment rent today ~ £31 at present but rumours are rife that there will be a substantial increase next year. Our allotment association will certainly fight this if it turns out to be true. Around here there are privately owned allotments (usually part of agricultural land) and folk are paying £5 a week. Our council has noted this 😦
Your summer allotment is inspirational. I wish I could get an allotment, in addition to the community garden here, as there’s so much more I want to grow! Our local allotments have closed their waiting list. They’re next to Highgate so people don’t move on very quickly, even if they only use their plot for summer barbecues (which makes me fume slightly – what a waste!). It’s the same story with the ‘allotment’ gardens here at the flats where I live – nearly all are now used as private leisure gardens. Hmmmm. Something needs to be done!
Very interesting. I will have to do some sums and workout how much mine is per metre
If you normally buy cut flowers, then it makes more financial sense to grow flowers on the allotment and buy the veg in.
I used to have an allotment and completely love your summer allotment picture. Now I have two acres of hillside, lots of land, not great soil but fabulous, fabulous view. It’s quite productive if you treat it right!
Some interesting facts there. There’s such a difference in the amount that people pay for their allotment from one area to another.
Well done on an interesting and informative post, the title of which says it all really! xx
So impressed with your flowery allotment. I have an allotment in Islington which measures 10m x 2m and the council put the rent up from £37 to £70 this year. I was allocated my new plot in 2009 (having been on the waiting list for 10 years!) and will have to give the keys back after 10 years to allow others on the waiting list to experience an allotment too. So my plot works out to £3.50 per sq metre-a tad more than Runnymead, but although this is comparatively a high rent to pay, I’m still really pleased to have this great space to grow fruit, veg and flowers in central(ish) London.
Hi Outofmyshed,
I can’t believe you have to give the allotment back after 10 years. I suppose it gives others the chance to have a go but after all that hard work I imagine it will be really difficult to hand it back. I love how you have rallied the local community to get people growing. More greenery in cities can only be a good thing.
I’m also one of the lucky ones with an allotment, mine also makes me a happier person, you can’t put a price on that but I do feel for the allotment holders that are having to face paying increased or extremely high plot rates.
Beautiful plot you have by the way!