Allotments

Good News for Allotment Gardeners

Birmingham has the largest provision of allotments of any Local Authority in the UK. 115 sites, nearly 7,000 plots and over 80 Allotment Associations.

Allotment gardening is undergoing a renaissance and demand is at its highest for several years. There is a real growth in new tentants, particularly women and those in the 20-35 age group.

Whilst the days of the flat cap look numbered, there is a new sense of energy and vitality out there on the plots.

What are the benefits?

There are many. Allotments are the best way to ensure that the food you eat is organic, without any pesticides and chemicals being added. If you have any doubts about eating genetically modified food, and are concerned about the food you buy in the shops, growing it yourself is the best way to be sure about what you are eating.

Once you have the tools you need for an allotment, all you need ever buy is a few seeds. For a few pence, you can grow baskets full of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. Not only is the food you grow on an allotment cheaper than fresh food bought from the shops, because it goes straight from the plot to your pot, it has a great fresh taste.

Allotments are a great way of taking exercise. A couple of hours spent digging, raking, planting and weeding increases strength, flexibility and muscle tone and you'll burn off calories as you do it!

What do you do next?

If you would like more information about taking on a new allotment in your area, Tel: 0121 303 3038. We will send you details of sites in your area and contact names so that you can arrange to see available plots.

If you need any help with tips and advice The National Society of Allotments & Allotment Gardening Ltd is a good source of information.

How to contact the Allotments Department

If you have any queries regarding your allotment there are a number of ways to contact us:

Tel: 0121 303 3038
Email: allotments@birmingham.gov.uk