An independent study of allotments in the Lancaster district has revealed their importance and value to people and homes.
The Lancaster District Allotment Review contains recommendations and ideas for how to support and grow a healthy, thriving allotment network.
It is the first independent review of all 24 allotment sites in the district, which range in size from 10 to around 120 plots.
Most sites are in and around Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham, and there are also sites in Warton in the north, Wray in the west and Ellel and Galgate in the south.
Deborah Simmonds carried out the review last year on behalf of Lancaster Community Interest Company LESS, with support from the wider FoodFutures network and funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Deborah has encouraged anyone with an interest in allotments to take a look at the review, and for any allotment holders to attend an allotment social lunch on November 22 in Lancaster.
“Our allotment sites are hugely varied, even with the common link of providing space for growing fruit and vegetables," she said.
“They vary in facilities, for example having mains water or not, communal buildings, or social spaces and activities, how they are managed - to their waiting list and rental changes.
“No two allotment sites are the same."
The review, which was completed in June last year, also highlights the huge value and importance allotments offer to individuals and households.
“They offer wellbeing, a connection to nature, being part of a community, or for some plot holders having a solitary space and time for peace and quiet,” said Deborah, pictured below.
“Working together as a family and sharing with children, having a ‘green space’ - particularly for people without a garden- and being able to do something positive for wildlife are extremely valuable and important things within communities.”
Deborah, who has her own plot in Torrisholme Road, said that although she wasn’t particularly green-fingered, she had developed a passion for all the things her allotment provides, adding that the district needs more of them.
“If you have an allotment plot and would like to share your passion, interest, ideas, experience, and meet other plot holders from other sites, please come along to the first Allotment Social,” she said.
“It’s very much an informal meet up over coffee and lunch and follows on from feedback during the Allotment Review around opportunities to meet other people and connect with other allotment sites.”
The Allotment Social event takes place between 11.15am and 1.30pm on Saturday November 22 at The Friends Meeting House in Lancaster.
The event is free to attend, but bookings need to be made by November 20 for catering purposes HERE.
Anyone interested in having an allotment can find the contact details for a lot of the district’s allotments sites on Lancaster City Council’s allotments webpage.
The Small Holdings and Allotment Act (1908) places a duty on councils to provide sufficient allotment provision.
If six or more registered voters or council tax payers make a written request for allotments, then the council must consider this request.
This legislation still applies today, however it does not impose a requirement to provide new allotments, any timeframes, or specify what “a sufficient number” of allotments is.
It is however something that a relatively small number of people can do, to raise the profile and interest in getting more allotments locally.
A printed copy of the Lancaster District Allotment Review or an online link was sent to each allotment site and library in the district.
An online version is also available HERE.
For more resources around allotments in the Lancaster district, visit HERE.
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