Do you know of or have a piece of land (big or small) that could potentially become an allotment?
Would you be interested in hearing or learning about how this can be done, what is involved, and how running allotments has worked for other private landlords?
If the answer is “yes” do get in touch with Deborah via: allotment_review@lessuk.org
LESS (a Lancaster-based social enterprise) is keen to understand the level of interest in opening new allotment sites across Lancaster District and is willing to offer some support and information sharing about how this can be done.
At the moment, there are 24 allotment sites across Lancaster District. These are owned and managed by a range of organisations, including Lancaster City Council, Town Council, Parish Council, and Diocese-owned sites and a handful of privately owned and run sites.
There is a huge demand for allotment plots, with all current allotment sites in the district having a waiting list for plots. On a lot of sites, the wait may be several years and for some sites, it’s even more. Also, in some areas of the District, there are no allotments available locally and there’s little chance of getting one further afield.
Allotments are wonderful places that offer a huge range of community benefits.
In addition to the land they provide for growing fresh fruit and vegetables, allotments offer many other benefits as highlighted in the Lancaster District Allotment Review. This includes:
- Offering households a green space of their own to grow fruit and vegetables.
- Linking people with where their produce comes from and how it’s been grown.
- Offering a space to relax outside, a link with nature, and the opportunity to do something for nature.
- Helping with the cost of living.
- Improving mental and physical health.
- Being part of a community.
- Working with friends and family as well as a solitary place to retreat for peace and quiet.
- Sharing food growing and eating with the seasons with family members.
Allotment sites also provide rich habitats for wildlife; including birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, and soil life. Allotments may have hedges, trees (including fruit trees), fruit bushes, soft fruits, shrubs, flowers, vegetables and herbs, ponds, wildlife areas, sheds, compost heaps, bird boxes, and insect hotels. The range and facilities on sites are wide and varied.
LESS is very keen to hear from anyone who would like to know more about possibly opening a new allotment site in the District, so please do get in touch.
For more information about the allotment review visit: foodfutures.org.uk/lancaster-district-allotment-review
