How do allotments work in the UK?

How do allotments work in the UK?

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 big is a British allotment?

An allotment is traditionally measured in rods (perches or poles), an old measurement dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. 10 poles is the accepted size of an allotment, the equivalent of 250 square metres or about the size of a doubles tennis court.

What is the purpose of an allotment?

An allotment is a great way to ensure you get a regular supply of fresh fruit and vegetables! Allotments are plots of land given to local community members so they can grow their own fruit and vegetables. The tradition dates back hundreds of years, to when poorer people needed the land as their main source of food.

Why is it called an allotment?

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.

Are allotments a British thing?

What is an Allotment? In the UK, allotments are small parcels of land rented to individuals usually for the purpose of growing food crops. There is no set standard size but the most common plot is 10 rods, an ancient measurement equivalent to 302 square yards or 253 square metres.

What are the disadvantages of having an allotment?

A list of common disadvantages of owning an allotment: Allotments that have been used to grow fruit and vegetables for many years (some for over 60 years) will harbour many pests and diseases. As the land is never allowed to go fallow, pest populations can build-up and can be difficult to eradicate.

How much do allotments cost?

An average allotment plot is about 250 square metres and costs 15p/sqm. Many councils have long waiting lists for allotments as their popularity has risen in recent years and this is another area where the Leicester research highlights huge variations.

Are allotments good for you?

1. It’s good for your health! (NAS), just 30 minutes of work on your allotment can burn around 150 calories, the same as doing low impact aerobics. Much better than being stuck in a sweaty, soulless gym, we think!

Why do they have allotments in England?

In the UK, allotments are small parcels of land rented to individuals usually for the purpose of growing food crops. There is no set standard size but the most common plot is 10 rods, an ancient measurement equivalent to 302 square yards or 253 square metres.

What Animals Can you keep on an allotment?

There are other animals that you could choose to keep on you allotment, such as pigs, goats, geese, pigeons and turkeys. However, before bringing any of these animals to your allotment, ensure that you research their specific needs and attain confirmation that your landlord is ok with these animals being kept.

What do you need to know about allotments in UK?

This article covers what an allotment is, how allotments came about and some general information about allotments. What is an Allotment? In the UK, allotments are small parcels of land rented to individuals usually for the purpose of growing food crops.

What was the history of British allotment plots?

From surviving World War II to “back to the land” revival and even a Harrod’s range, the history, and popularity of Britain’s allotment plots. Another workingman’s tradition had been hijacked for the cash-rich, time-poor middle classes.

What is the plural form of the word allotment?

Word forms: plural allotments. 1. countable noun. In Britain, an allotment is a small area of land in a town which a person rents to grow plants and vegetables on. 2. countable noun. An allotment of something is a share or amount of it that is given to someone. His meager allotment of gas had to be saved for emergencies.

Which is the best description of an allotment garden?

Allotment (gardening) Jump to navigation Jump to search. Typical allotments on the Käferberg hill in Zürich, Switzerland. An allotment garden (British English), often called simply an allotment, or a “community garden” (North America), is a plot of land made available for individual, non-commercial gardening or growing food plants.