Has allotment demand really increased?

[duggie]

When I applied for a plot in March 2006, I was told that I was 15th on the waiting list I resigned myself to a long wait and decided that I'd spend the waiting period learning as much about growing fruit and veg as I could. I would regularly take a weekend or early evening stroll around the site (it is a very pretty, quiet site) and take notes on what was happening and how the plots were changing as the season progressed. Our site is a very friendly one and the plot holders would often stop to chat. I called the site secretary regularly but only ever received the answer machine.

I was taking a stroll one day in August when a gentleman approached me, introduced himself as the secretary, and said that a few of the plot holders had told him about how keen I was. He took me to a very, very overgrown plot and said that it would be hard work but I was welcome to have a go. Apparently, he had given up trying to let it as everyone he offered it too declined it. I was rather daunted and asked if he had any others, but he said another would not be available until December time. This is so that after the rents are due in October, time would be allowed for those not paying to be reminded and then final notice given. As I was still 15th on the list, there would be no guarantee that I would be offered one then. He aslo said that it would be rent free until October. If I couldn't cope with it then he would not hold it against me and I could return to the waiting list.

I bit the bullet and haven't looked back since. I have made huge progress. Even during the cold winter months when I couldn't dig, I found there was something I could do most weekends - clear rubbish, build compost bins or spend time planning.

So glad I accepted it as the waiting list is now 45 - after all the re-lettings! However, the 2 plots either side of me were let in January - and I haven't seen anyone on either so far. They have not been touched at all and the weeds are really starting to sprout. I just hope they turn up soon or all my hard work digging out the weeds on my plot is going to be set back.

[ClayGarden]

wow duggie thats a really good story

[Flummery]

We only have 12 on our site. I got mine in March and was offered half a plot - which I accepted with speed! The rest of the plots except one have all had something done to them. One is looking a little tatty but the bloke is in for a heart bypass op on Wednesday but naturally wants to keep it on - that's understandable - they'll be telling him to take lots of exercise afterwards! The unkempt one doesn't look like it's been worked for a season. However, even though I said I'd be up for another half if offered I haven't heard any more - it might be that there is a period of reminders and notice as mentioned above. Still got me fingers crossed! - We're in a small village so 12 isn't as meagre as it sounds.

[chuffa]

Demand for a plot has gone up in our area to the point that100% of the plots have now been taken and if there is still demand for more at the end of the season the parish council is going to provide more land for allottments. Some tennants give up after a year which then brings down the demand because those on the waiting list just give up waiting.

[mclarenpitcrew]

When we took on ours early in 2006 we had about 100 plots to choose from. After a bit of a fight we had last year when they wanted to put a high school on the site, and I think the general interest in the area, we now have 4 plots left vacant on the site and believe me a couple of them are not pretty.

[number 1 suspect]

My local council has just given all on my lottie notice to quit. There has been a scramble for the few spares that are knocking around. Lucky for me I got the letter at 9 and had the new lease signed by 10 on another bigger and better site. That was a few weeks ago and many from the old site are now looking at the last growing season unless the council can find somewhere else for them to go.

There is still a high demand for them in the Gravesend area

[SAFIA]

apparently we have had 4 new people sign up in the last 2 weeks so something must be occurring!!!! but we still have plenty of plots left enough so that they are going to make a community garden out of some of them

[CompoDub]

Is there anybody that might know of allotments on the northside of Dublin. I've raked aroung everywhere and can't find anything

[gardenplot]

Don’t think we need a waiting list on our site there are 47 vacant plots all over grown of course
And when I’m on my plot digging I never see anyone.

[allotmentlady]

There are 99 plots in chorley, spread over 5 sites, 226 on waiting list and I have been nagging council about more land. We find more land and now since October they have been economical with the truth about what stage they are at. Planning application was supposed to have bene lodged 29th October 2007, never happened, now they say some 6 months on,,,,,,,we are looking at borders!!!!
Yesterday 1 plot became vacant on our site.

Our allotment officer moves as fast as a snail.

[lottielady]

Compo dub look under allotment finder there is a thread on there about someone looking to offer land for allotments

[paulwbecca]

We had to put our name down on two sites as our local site in Coley had a very long waiting list. We were very lucky to get one in Southcote, think its cos we dont have a garden as we live in a block of flats.

[baggyman]

Our allotment site is well run, has good facilities and has no vacancies (85 plots).
There are two sites within a mile or so that are 3/4 empty over run and have no facilities.
Its obvious to me that if local councils want more participation on allotments then they have to invest in them.
Toilets fences and a secure storage facility as a minimum.

[sorourke]

I live in Derby and have been on one waiting list for almost 2 years, I then decided to try another allotment which I have to drive to rather than walk to, after 6 weeks I got a call to say one was available although it is extremely overgrown. The lady next to me says it hasn't been grown on for about 4 years. It seems such a shame that people hang onto a site when there are so many people waiting for one. My husband thinks I am crazy as it is literally like a field of brambles, but I see it as a challenge and just really appreciate having the plot. Since taking on the plot there are now 14 people on the waiting list, so there certainly seems an increase in demand in our area!
Happy gardening!

[Mikey]

I think the trouble with plots being allowed to become overgrown is something to do with the agreement whereby you can only give notice to quit at a certain time of year and then it cant be re-let for twelve months not sure if i have this right but it was augmented about at our A.G.M. However if someone willingly agrees to vacate the plot it can be re-let .

Not sure if you're right here Jackie, it may just be in your locality. I recently took on a plot, back in the middle of March, because the previous occupant had been removed for not cultivating the plot, only two weeks previously.

I guess allotment rules differ in every council, in my parents locality, they issue a warning to a person who doesn't cultivate the land within the course of the year, but will not kick them off until the end of the second year.

Demand I believe is definately increasing, when I spoke to the secretary of our site, they mentioned that 4 or 5 years ago, they couldn't give them away, and now there is a long waiting list. Food providence is a vibe phrase at the moment along with Farmers Markets, so growing your own is definately becoming more popular, when you see the likes of Jamie Oliver instilling the benefits of a kitchen garden, it is clear indication of market forces.

I think the best way of getting a site is to show willing, when I applied, I gave the secretary a letter of my background. Offering to take on any plot which needed repatriating, as a result I got what I asked for, but it is the only plot on our site that was untended. I was also told that if I could turn it around this year then maybe next year a better plot may become available.