Allotment FAQ’s

Allotments are offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and a waiting list is held for each allotment site. It is impossible to determine a waiting time, as allotment plots usually only become available when an existing tenant gives up their tenancy. We can only advise which sites have longer / shorter lists. You can be on the waiting list for one site only. If you are offered a plot and decline it, you will be put to the bottom of the waiting list. Lists are reviewed periodically and anyone who does not respond to any contact from the Alliance will be removed.

We allow one tenant per plot. However, each tenant can have up to 2 co-workers per plot. Tenants must inform the RAA of the co-worker details.

A co-worker is someone who can register to help you with the maintenance of the plot. The co-worker has no legal tenancy rights or responsibilities. Sub-letting to co-workers is not allowed, so you must still have regular involvement in the maintenance of the plot. A co-worker can be registered on one plot and will remain registered until either the tenant or co-worker decides to remove the co-worker or until the tenant gives up the plot.

Being a registered co-worker when a tenant gives up the plot does not give you an automatic right to take it over. Instead, we will offer you the plot, only if you have been registered as the co-worker and working the plot for a minimum of 12 months.

New tenants need to have cultivated their plot to a good standard for a minimum of 12 months before livestock is permitted and written permission from the RAA must be sought. Only certain types of animals are allowed, as per the Allotments Act 1950, and only on certain sites. These are hens (no cockerels), rabbits and bees. You should not assume the presence of animals on other plots means that you can keep the same type of animal on your plot.  If you bring animals onto your plot without asking permission, we may ask you to remove them or face your tenancy being terminated. See Hens on allotments – The National Allotment Society – National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd (nsalg.org.uk) for more advice on keeping hens.

As a minimum, we expect tenants to cultivate their plot during the main spring to autumn growing season and for it to be actively used throughout the year. Two-thirds need to be cultivated. Active use includes growing but can also include preparing the ground for cultivation or doing routine maintenance jobs like strimming back uncultivated areas, tidying up, and sorting out items retained for re-use. Although we do not require growing all year round, it is possible to do so and advice on this and other monthly allotment tasks can be found through the Royal Horticultural Society: Grow Your Own and The Allotment Society – growing advice.

Bonfires are not banned, however, it is essential that they do not cause a nuisance to surrounding residents. Please see the Bonfire notice which should be followed if you do intend to have a bonfire on your plot. Sites are subject to fire bans if rules are not followed correctly.

Further information on having an allotment can be found on the National Allotment Society website Allotment Info – The National Allotment Society – National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd (nsalg.org.uk)