One-stop shop created online for allotment holders

Priory Road Allotments, Mansfield Woodhouse
Priory Road Allotments, Mansfield Woodhouse

Green-fingered residents wishing to pay for existing plots or add their name to an allotment waiting list will be able to do so with a new sign-up form.

The form is now live on Mansfield District Council's website.

The new system is expected to make it easier for the parks team to manage plots and provide better oversight of the service as a whole.

The council manages 14 allotment sites across the district, including Bellamy Road, Shaftesbury Avenue, Forest Road and Sherwood Rise.

Councillor Andrew Burgin, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Leisure said: “Allotments provide valuable and sustainable green spaces and offer a wide range of recreational, community and environmental benefits. They not only provide the opportunity for people to produce healthy low-cost food, but they also offer recreation involving healthy exercise, social contacts and the enjoyment and challenge of growing a variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

“We would encourage all green-fingered residents to fill out the form now it's live and get in touch if they wish to express an interest in renting a plot. This new process will mean the service runs even more efficiently and reduces waiting times on the phone.

“We are pleased to say we do have a lot of interest in our allotment sites district-wide, so some residents may need to wait for a plot as and when they become available. We do work with groups across the district that have dedicated community allotments, and this gives residents the perfect opportunity to get involved with gardening – without the responsibility and cost of running the plot themselves.

“For any new gardeners wishing to take up a plot, we will be able to offer initially a half plot. This size is ideal for residents who are limited by time or who want allotments but need something more appropriate for them.”

The cost of a full plot is £45.90 per year, and a half plot is £22.96 per year.

When residents express an interest in an allotment on the form, they will also be asked if they wish to be involved in the council's Crop Drop initiative. The scheme sees any surplus produce grown donated to the community Food Clubs, food share schemes or food banks, which ensures local produce enables residents to eat healthier. 

If you wish to pay for an existing plot or add your name to the waiting list please fill out the form at https://www.mansfield.gov.uk/xfp/form/304 (opens in new window)

Published: November 22nd 2022