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Allotment gardens

Introduction

Allotments can be used to grow your own soft fruit, vegetables and herbs. You could even have a small lawn and flower garden to sit and relax in after your hard work. Allotments are a great way to socialise, exercise, develop your horticultural skills and enjoy the fresh air.

Allotments in Calderdale

The Council owns 36 allotment sites and over 700 plots across the borough. Allotment plots range in size from 90 to 500 m². Rents are based on the size of the individual plot, a standard plot being 250.84 m² (300 yds²).

How do you apply for an allotment?

Applications for allotments vary slightly depending on the type of allotment site. Due to the increasing popularity of allotment gardening there is a high demand for allotment plots. This means that waiting lists are present on all allotment sites. The waiting lists are maintained for each site, and preferred sites must be stated upon application.

Self-managed allotment sites

15 of the Council owned allotment sites are managed by allotment associations which have been set up by local people. These associations manage their own waiting lists and collect the rent on behalf of the Council. Applications need to go directly to the relevant allotment association. A breakdown of the self-managed sites is shown on allotment garden sites. Contact the Allotments Officer for details.

Rents on self-managed sites vary but as a guide, you can expect to pay between £20 and £30 per plot per year.

Council managed sites

If the allotment site is not self-managed the waiting lists and rents are managed by the Council. Applications should go directly to the Allotments Officer stating exactly which sites are being applied for. A breakdown of the Council managed sites is shown on allotment garden sites.

The rent for a standard plot on Calderdale MBC managed sites is £27.04 per year. Passport to Leisure holders who have a plot on Council managed sites are eligible for a 40 per cent discount. This price does not include charges for water, which is currently £6.30 per plot.

Private allotment sites

There are a small number of private sites within Calderdale. These sites are not owned or managed by the Council. For more information contact The National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Limited|.

Growing fruit and vegetables

There are a number of other ways of getting involved in growing fruit and vegetables:

• Find out about local growing campaigns like Incredible Edible Todmorden |
• Think about a Landshare |scheme
• Find out about the Allotment Regeneration Initiative |
• Discover more about Allotment Growing|  

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