Allotments and growing places
In February 2009 we pledged to create 1,000 new allotments and growing spaces on our land by 2012 – and we’re delighted to have hit this target five months early in September 2011.
Across the country, our new allotment sites are buzzing with activity. Local communities now have the space to grow their own fruit and vegetables, and nearly 200 more allotments are planned for the near future.
Many of our plots are listed on the Landshare website – a matchmaking website which aims to link up would be growers with available land near to them.
Our plots have been created in restored kitchen gardens, on agricultural land or on vacant land close to our properties. Many are managed as regular allotments and some are specifically for school or community groups.
Watch a video celebrating the creation of our 1,000th allotment.
Download our map to find the locations of all our allotments (575kb).
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Anglesey Abbey
Right next to the recreation ground in the heart of Lode village, just 5 minutes walk from Anglesey Abbey, an aptly named ‘sunray’ allotment site has taken shape containing 28 family-sized plots and four community growing spaces.
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Hatchlands
In September 2011, the Brown family became proud plot holders of our 1,000th allotment at Hatchlands.
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Gibside
The walled garden at Gibside, near Gateshead in North East England, is supporting people with learning disabilities work towards qualifications in horticulture, as well as growing their own food.
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Tyfiant
In North Wales, our staff have created a thriving growing space as a learning resource for local schools and community groups.
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Monk Coniston
The walled garden nestles amidst one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the UK. From the top of the walled garden you can see right down over Coniston Water and beyond.
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Buckland Abbey
At the top of Garden Field, there are 40 fine allotments, but the bottom half of the field has been transformed into a fabulous community growing space for up to 40 local families and individuals – simply named the Buckland Food Growers.
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Springhill
A year ago, the walled garden was overgrown. Backbreaking work by the estate team and volunteers has gradually transformed the area into 27 allotments. Local enthusiasm was immediate, and the personalities are starting to shine through.
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Minnowburn
A new community of gardeners is blossoming in south Belfast, at Minnowburn Community Garden, which sits between Shaw’s Bridge and the Giant’s Ring.
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Clent Hills
At Kings Norton, Birmingham, we've been createing growing spaces at ta number of urban locations for use by different community groups.
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Woolacombe
A changing landscape in Woolacombe, Devon, as a large field has been turned into 50 allotments of various sizes.
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Lytes Cary
Lytes Cary Manor in Somerset created 40 new allotments at the entrance to the property.
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Shottermill Ponds
The creation of Shottermill Ponds Allotments has been a join initiative between the Trust (providing the land) and Lynchmere Parish Council (running the allotment site) for the local community.
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Kingston Lacy
A set of 118 new allotments for the community are now open on the Kingston Lacy estate in Dorset.
For further information please email Jenny Sansom, Sustainable Food Co-ordinator.