Guildford Allotment Society

[Knikitta]

I don't suppose anyone here is on the G.A.S?

I sent them an email over a week ago and as yet I have had no reply... I only wanted to know what their average wait time was for an allotment as it looks like we might be moving to that area soon.

[zazen999]

It looks like the website hasn't been updated in a while - however these things are done by volunteers so they might well be away for a week or so.

Failing that - try the contacts page for the parish Councillors if your nearest one isn't on their map.

Parish Council Allotment Sites - Guildford Allotment Society

Just read that you are moving there- they probably prioritise people already living there, so you may have to wait until you move. As at the moment, you are only probably moving, not definitely moving.

[Knikitta]

I wasn't planning on joining the list until we did move, I just wondered what the waiting lists were like so I knew whether there was any point in waiting after Christmas to sow into pots or wait for the plot.

[salome2001]

knikitta, the answer I got to that question was "how long is a piece of string?". It can really depend on so mamy factors. I would however join the list even if you haven't yet moved, as long as you have a definite address that you'll be going to

[Newton]

Average waiting lists across the country are generally years not months. Doon sooth they are probably several years. I waited 7 years oop north

[Knikitta]

I am in Lincoln at the moment and have been a list here for 4 years so far.

It is so frustrating, because when I go to the plots, I see so many that are waist high with grass, weeds and brambles.

The Allotmenteers tell me these plots have stood empty 3+ years, yet the Council still insist that they do 3 monthly checks on all plots!

[Fruit&2veg]

I am in Lincoln at the moment and have been a list here for 4 years so far.

It is so frustrating, because when I go to the plots, I see so many that are waist high with grass, weeds and brambles.

The Allotmenteers tell me these plots have stood empty 3+ years, yet the Council still insist that they do 3 monthly checks on all plots!

Same down here, town council just opened 42 new plots because "demand outstripped supply". Fact is, if the Allotment tenants assoc. did their job there are more than enough plots for those who really want them. Every site has plots that are badly neglected/poorly cultivated. Use their powers to take these back and offer to next on the list and the waiting list would soon be a thing of the past!

[piskieinboots]

My pal has an allotment on GAS - this is her reply to your query:

Not the official word but there are over 600 allotments in Guildford. Some sites are more popular than others and the waiting list number vary. But there were over 200 peeps on the overall waiting list. The turnover is quite low though.

Our site is 80 allotments. In my section there are 14 allotments and last year we had one new plotholder. We will get another one this year and funny enough that's the same plot where the newbie didn't stay. That may or may not be typical but if it then the average number of allotments coming free each year would mean it would take over four years if there are still 200 on the waiting list. Realistically there will be less than that as some will have changed their minds, moved away, numbers changed etc, but even so I would guess it would be years and not months.

Hope that helps.

[Knikitta]

Thank you everyone.

Some one from GAS has emailed me saying more or less the same, that it varies from months to years depending on many factors.

I have been advised to put my name on the list for the area we are moving to, but we do not know where that is yet, so I guess we sit and wait!

Hopefully one day we will become one of the lucky few that hold an allotment and can grow our own.

[happy gardener]

I am in Lincoln at the moment and have been a list here for 4 years so far.

It is so frustrating, because when I go to the plots, I see so many that are waist high with grass, weeds and brambles.

The Allotmenteers tell me these plots have stood empty 3+ years, yet the Council still insist that they do 3 monthly checks on all plots!

Iam chairman of the Bognor Regis allotments .Whilst we are private not council run we walk round on a regular basis at least weekly this keeps us up to date with which plots are being used properly. if any are showing the early signs of neglect the plot holders are sent a letter asking them to come and see the supervisor. Which eight out of ten times results in the person giving up the plot and another name of the waiting list. Whilst the other two are given some help due to unforseen circumstance`s

[Two_Sheds]

It is so frustrating, because when I go to the plots, I see so many that are waist high with grass, weeds and brambles.

The Allotmenteers tell me these plots have stood empty 3+ years

I think these neglected plots don't get counted as plots at all. I was told my site was full, so I walked up there, looked round, chatted to plotters. Found a plot all overgrown, said "can I have this one" and was told it's really bad, but if you really think you can do it ... and I got it

It's always best to go there in person, don't rely on phone or email

[jackie j]

I am a site manager and have just let 7 plots with another one to go. Waiting list for area is over 100 over five sites. (250 + plots ). The allotment secretary walks around with the site manager from each site about evey 6 weeks or so and sends letters out accordingly. Most of the time people dont respond.

[Fruit&2veg]

Great many unused plots round here, but powers that be are very reluctant to do anything about it-to the extent that recently, they managed to con the town council into opening 42 new plots at great expense to ease the "waiting list" rather than tackle the plot holders on existing neglected plots.