Allotments Page

Mary on her Allotment If you have ever fancied trying your hand at gardening and are interested in fresh air and even fresher food you could choose to rent a local allotment plot.

Plants are not the only things that are nurtured on allotments. Community spirit, healthy lifestyles and an appreciation of our environment are all cultivated too! Allotments are wonderful places – where people of all ages and backgrounds can get some exercise, have a natter, soak up the sun and listen to birdsong, at the same time as growing good food, which won’t have to travel far.

Taking an allotment could not be easier. It will definitely help improve your general health and fitness and is a great way to relieve stress. It can also provide you with a supply of fresh fruit and vegetables and save you money. Everyone is made very welcome so don’t be put off if you are a complete beginner - there are always experienced gardeners available to offer guidance and advice.

How to get an Allotment

To find a contact for your local Allotment Association please follow this link:

List of allotment sites and contact details

There are 12 allotment sites owned by the City Council across the district, all self-managed by the Allotment Associations (AAs). These allotments offer over 500 cultivated plots in total. The Allotment Associations are responsible for necessary maintenance work or repairs, setting and collecting rents, paying the water rates and insuring the sites. Annual rents for a full plot are in the region £20 to £40 with discounts available. Most allotments also have half plots.

There are also a number of privately owned allotment sites in the Lancaster district. We have information about some of these - please call 01524 582061 for further information.

If you have any information about more local allotments we should know about, please email sustainability@lancaster.gov.uk

ALMA (Association of Lancaster and Morecambe Allotments)

ALMA was set up in 2004, and represents all 12 allotment sites. John Lambert (Fairfield Allotment Association) is currently the Acting Chair of ALMA.

ALMA estimates that at least 1500 people are involved in tending allotments in the Lancaster District, with plots often having multiple occupancy and usage by more than one member of the same family.

Allotment and other food growing websites

Fairfield Allotments

What to do in your vegetable garden this month - Garden Organic website

Seasonal fruit and vegetables recipes - eat the seasons website

Online Information Booklets

The following booklets are available in PDF format care of Natural England:

Many more titles are available such as 'Amphibians in Your Garden' and 'Plants for Wildlife Friendly Gardens' please click here to download these resources from the Natural England 'Nature in the Garden' web page.