The National Allotment Society - National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd

Plot Sizes, a statement by our Chairman. 

With reference to the recent discussions in the press following Ms Charlie Dimmock’s comments regarding allotment plot sizes.

For a long time Self- Managed allotment sites and councils have adjusted plot sizes to suit the tenant; this is particularly necessary in areas of disability but the standard size of an allotment plot remains at 250 Sq Metres.  This is the area that is recommended as being sufficient for a family of four to become self sufficient in terms of fresh produce including fruit, vegetables and if required eggs.

However, in recent (the past 6/8) years there has been an increase in the number of younger families with children taking allotments, partly due to the allure of television shows and partly in recognition of the fact that if you grow it yourself you know what went on or in it. For a working man, woman or indeed family, to find time to cultivate a full size allotment along with family duties and full time jobs can be daunting, hence the rise of the half plot. There are also many single people with allotments who do not need the size to feed a family. A tenant who takes on a half plot, approximately 125 Sq Meters, usually has the option to apply, at a later date, for either the other half of the plot should it become vacant or for a full plot that may become vacant elsewhere on the site.  This practice makes allotment gardening more accessible but ensures that the plot size remains at 250 sq Meters.

The recent suggestion that a quarter of a plot is sufficient for most people is plain poppycock; even trial plots are usually larger than that and for someone to try and grow a variety of produce in useful quantities and still leave room for a few fruit bushes is improbable if not impossible. This situation could probably put a seriously interested gardener off allotments for life.

Whilst celebrities follow their celebrity lifestyle, ordinary people with ordinary aspirations will get on with what we feel we can do best and that includes allotment gardening.

Mr. J. A.(Tony) Heeson.

Chairman of the National Allotments Society.

Click here to read the NAS Policy on Plot Sizes

 

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