Are allotments a British thing?

An allotment garden (British English), often called simply an allotment, or in North America, a community garden, is a plot of land made available for individual, non-commercial gardening or growing food plants.

Why do allotments exist?

Allotments have been in existence for hundreds of years, with evidence pointing back to Anglo-Saxon times. But the system we recognise today has its roots in the Nineteenth Century, when land was given over to the labouring poor for the provision of food growing.

What is an allotment in Britain?

An allotment is an area of land, leased either from a private or local authority landlord, for the use of growing fruit and vegetables. An allotment is traditionally measured in rods (perches or poles), an old measurement dating back to Anglo-Saxon times.

When did allotments become popular?

The Explosion (1873-1945) This period saw the allotment movement peak with the number of allotments growing from 243,000 in 1873, to 445,000 in 1890, and on up to 600,000 in 1913 just prior to the First World War. They subsequently peaked at 1.5m during the First World War and 1.75m during the Second World War.

How much does an allotment cost UK?

The current cost of an allotment is £8.75 per rod/per 25.3 square metres, per annum. Accordingly, the cost of a 5 rod plot for 2021 is £43.75 for the year. A 10 rod plot is £87.50. Allotment bills are automatically sent out in January.

Why are allotments bad for the environment?

But allotment sites are under threat as never before. When allotments disappear, often wildlife disappears with them and these precious habitats are lost forever. Many varieties of plants thrive on these sites, which contribute to the bio-diversity of the area and they also provide vital habitats for many species.

What are the most important properties of allotments?

Research suggests that allotments and community gardens can improve people’s quality of life, help to curb exclusion, increase physical exercise, encourage a nutritious diet, support mental health, help people relax, teach new life skills, empower people, give individuals self- esteem, reconnect people with the food …

How do allotments work?

An allotment is a plot of land that you rent from your local council or a private landowner on which you can grow your own food. Allotments are communal places, so you rent a plot from an allotment site and share utilities such as water and fertiliser with the other plot owners.

How much does an allotment cost in England?

Do I have to pay for allotment?

Allotment Rent Allotment holders are required to pay rent, which the law says should be at such a rate ‘as a tenant may reasonably be expected to pay for the land’. The yearly rent can range from £5 to £125 and the landlord is responsible for the payment of water rates and general maintenance.

How much is it to hire an allotment?

On average, allotments in Britain cost between £10 and £70 a year, depending where you are in the country. Usually, a price is allocated per “rod”, which is a certain number of sq metres – usually around 25.

Is having an allotment good for you?

If managed properly, an allotment can produce enough food to supplement a family’s weekly shop, with fresh fruit and vegetables over the year. Allotment gardeners can choose to garden organically and avoid ingesting chemicals that are likely to be present on shop bought fruit and vegetables.

What do you need to know about allotments?

Allotment Info. An allotment is an area of land, leased either from a private or local authority landlord, for the use of growing fruit and vegetables. In some cases this land will also be used for the growing of ornamental plants, and the keeping of hens, rabbits and bees.

What caused the increase in allotments in the UK?

Fear of peasant revolt led to the 1845 General Enclosures Act and further parliamentary legislation compelling stubborn local authorities to provide allotments. Following the 1908 Small Holdings and Allotments Act, the number of plots in England and Wales shot from 58,648 to 130,526 in five years.

Is allotment gardening legal in the UK?

“Allotment gardening isn’t unique to the UK, but we were one of the first countries to have any legislation specifically relating to it,” Stokes says.

How to make your allotment beautiful and bountiful?

Make your allotment beautiful as well as bountiful by planting pretty flowers for cutting next to fruit trees and veg patches, and painting your shed in a colourful shade. These days plots are more diverse than ever so you could even add a pond, beehive, chickens or a BBQ area with garden bench if that’s your thing.