Allotment gardens
Allotment gardens are characterised by a concentration in one place of a few or up to several hundreds of land parcels that are assigned to individuals or families. In allotment gardens, the parcels are cultivated individually, contrary to other community garden types where the entire area is tended collectively by a group of people.
The individual size of a parcel ranges between 50 and 400 square meters, and often the plots include a shed for tools and shelter. The individual gardeners are organised in an allotment association which leases the land from the owner who may be a public, private or ecclesiastical entity, provided that it is only used for gardening (i.e. growing vegetables, fruits and flowers), but not for residential purposes.
The gardeners have to pay a small membership fee to the association, and have to abide by the corresponding constitution and by-laws. However, the membership entitles them to certain democratic rights.
the socio-cultural and economic functions of allotment gardens as follows:
- for the community a better quality of urban life through the reduction of noise, the binding of dust, the establishment of open green spaces in densely populated areas;
- for the environment the conservation of biotopes and the creation of linked biotopes;
- for families a meaningful leisure activity and the personal experience of sowing, growing, cultivating and harvesting healthy vegetables amidst high-rise buildings and the concrete jungle;
- for children and adolescents a place to play, communicate and to discover nature and its wonders;
- for working people relaxation from the stress of work;
- for the unemployed the feeling of being useful and not excluded as well as a supply of fresh vegetables at minimum cost;
- for immigrant families a possibility of communication and better integration in their host country;
- for disabled persons a place enabling them to participate in social life, to establish contacts and overcome loneliness;
- for senior citizens a place of communication with persons having the same interests as well as an opportunity of self-fulfillment during the period of retirement.
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[edit] Allotments
Take on an allotment for fresh, home grown produce.
[edit] Why have an allotment?
Allotment gardening can be a very rewarding pastime and can make a valuable contribution to the quality of peoples lives.
Open Space is becoming increasingly important within our communities as the intensity of development increases. Allotments are important recreational assets for people without gardens.
[edit] How much will it cost?
An annual fee is payable which varies depending on the size of the plot. Concessions are available for the over 60's. Crops can be produced at a fraction of the cost that you would be charged at a greengrocers or a supermarket. Other than the annual rent, all that is invested is a few hours a week, the cost of a small selection of hand tools and a little hard work.
[edit] Exercise in the fresh air
The other benefits of being an allotment holder are exercise and relaxation. Allotments give you the opportunity to combine health and leisure pursuits. If fruit and vegetables are grown they are an essential part of a healthy diet and when they are organically grown, you will reduce your exposure to pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Allotments are part of Erewash and many people enjoy gardening for exercise and the pleasure of growing plants.
[edit] Environment
Allotments can benefit the environment in may ways. They provide valuable green space within our local towns and cities making them more environmentally friendly, sustainable and attractive places to live. They can also provide varied and valued habitat for wild plants and animals. Locally grown food does not have to be transported long distances, which helps to reduce pollution and road traffic.
[edit] Help
All kinds of people rent allotments and there is the opportunity to make new friends. There is always someone on hand to give advice to newcomers and make you feel welcome.
[edit] Advice
The best time to start is in the autumn, when the plots can be dug over and can be prepared over the winter. However, many people only start getting enthusiastic when the spring arrives. It is, of course, still possible to produce excellent crops, plants and flowers by taking up a plot then.
