Allotments in Leeds

[Minamoo]

Hello! I finally managed to call at the right time to get someone to talk to at the city council about an allotment. It turns out that there's one not 5 minutes from our house which would be absolutely perfect. But there are about 16 people on the waiting list before me. and the lady I spoke to said that she's not allocated one of those allotments to anyone in over 5 years! The other allotments nearby seem to have even longer waiting lists (about 67 people on the waiting list for the gledhow valley allotment) and others have actually closed their waiting lists because there are too many people on them. Crikey!

[maggiethomas]

Not sure how near this is for you, but... My daughter's nursery just got a half plot at the allotments near Headingley Station. Chatting to one of the management committee a few weeks ago, he said there were 6 or 7 free plots (or half plots) there at that time. Ours (and many of the others) looked like it hadn't been cultivated in years though! We've dug out a load of bramble roots (big 'uns) and are working on the rosebay willowherb, lady's mantle & hardy geraniums that seem to be prospering where we want to plant spuds. Not to mention the almost solid layer of couch-grass roots around 10cm down...

Or you could check out the local allotments, see if there are any plots that seem to be abandoned, and check whether the rules allow the holders of such plots to be 'evicted' after being given notice. Ask around, maybe someone would be happy to reduce to half a plot, or is thinking about giving up their plot. If the other 16 people have been on the waiting list for 5 years, it may be that some have taken on plots further afield, but simply not notified the council.

Happy hunting!

[Minamoo]

Thanks for the suggestions! I have colleagues from work who have allotments down there. Unfortunately, we're not in the position at the moment to take up an allotment because we've just moved into a new house with a large garden that has been turned over to raised beds for veg. It's our first year properly growing stuff so I think it would be nuts to go from zer to 13 raised beds and an allotment in one year! So a waiting list is actually good for us in that way. But not if it's 10 years long! Lol! 3 years would be perfect. I think it'll take this year and next year to get our garden under control and get used to growing. a third year while I continue to get used to being employed and no longer at university (been at uni since 2002!)

[Hans Mum]

we're not far from Gledow Valley and our waiting list is less than 20, todate no-one has waited more than 12 months to get a half plot.

[KerriManic]

Hello all, just hi-jacking this thread. I'm new here (my first post right now!) and I'm also looking for an allotment plot in leeds but aside from contacting the council and waiting for them to get back to me I'm a bit unsure on what to do. Location isn't really a problem for us, we live in north leeds but are happy to travel to different areas in leeds. I contacted the council last week and so far have had no joy so going to try again after the bank holiday but if anyone has any other advice or contacts they would be gratefully received. I appreciate we may be in for a bit of a wait but am keen to get the ball rolling in you get me.

Thanks- Kerri

[jackyspratty]

Hi kerri
which bit of north leeds are you in? There may be places at my lotty but it is very rough and ready, depends what facilities you want too?

[KerriManic]

Hiya, thanks for your replay- I'm in Moortown area (just off the ring road near the BP garage). Rough and ready doesn't bother me too much, prepared to put in some hardwork. Facilities wise, water would be an advanatage and ideally provision to ensure theft and vandalism are minimalism- don't want people pinching my stuff . Somewhere close by to park would also be an advantage but not essential

[Hans Mum]

or we've only got a waiting list of 6 or so and no-one todate has waited more than a few months, oakwood lane allotments near Fearnville Sports Centre

[KerriManic]

Thanks for that. Oakwood would be handy and easy to get to. How do I go about getting on the waitnig list for there???

[Hans Mum]

PM me your email address and I'll send you a form

[KerriManic]

Hi all- just want to say a massive thank you for all the help and advice regarding getting an allotment in Leeds. Havn't been on for a while because.....soon after putting some feelers our I was offered a plot in a new (ish) re-opened site in Kirkstall and have been down there quite a lot sorting it out. It has been a bit of a labour of love as when we got it, it was massively over grown but its now starting to resemble something more of an allotment

Have got potatatoes, carrots, parsnips and turnips planted and also also managed to put out some lettuce, rocket, beans and spring onions that I had growing at home. Pleased to say I'm loving every minute of it too and have met some real nice people!

Thanks again for the help and advice, I will post some before and after pics soon xx

[jackyspratty]

Brilliant!!

[Hans Mum]

well done you looking forward to pics

[MAGNESIUMTABS]

Hello, Im also desperate to get an allotment in Leeds as my back garden is concreted over. Any ideas where to start or where there might be vacancies. I moved down from Scotland where I was a keen grower of all types of veg and I am so keen to get started again.

Where would be the best place to look for potential vacancies?? I am in Horsforth.

[Hans Mum]

not sure about plots in horsforth i'm t'other side of the city, have you tried LCC Parks & Countryside, they look after allotments in Leeds