National allotment survey will map demand for plots

A national survey is being undertaken around the UK to map demand for allotment plots. It’s estimated that there are 300,000 allotments in the UK but soaring interest in grow-you-own during the recession has left 100,000 people stuck on waiting lists of up to 40 years.

The chronic shortfall of local authority-owned plots is being addressed by The New Allotment Company, a company set up to run private allotments across the UK. It has sparked controversy by charging rents of £125 to £175 for plots – whereas local authority allotments often cost £20 to £70 per year.

The New Allotment Company claims its survey will create “the largest and most accurate map of allotment demand” in the UK, making it easier to create more plots. Allotment-seekers are being asked to submit their names and postcodes via the firm’s website (8 thenewallotmentcompany.com) to take part.

Managing director Rudi Schogger told AG that gardeners were submitting their details “thick and fast” and added: “We’ve already had a huge response”. He said: “We are endeavouring to get allotments far more widely adopted, through our survey and by introducing new formats to make them more accessible to individuals, groups and businesses. Our survey will identify needs in a more accurate way than has ever been done before.”

The firm is also introducing a concept called Group and Business allotments. It will offer the first plots for restaurants and small businesses to grow their own produce.

New private allotment sites opening:

• Tonbridge
• Cambridge
• High Wycome, Bucks
• Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk
• Leicester
• Norwich