Growing in the community: a good practice guide for the management of allotments

The LGA has revised this best-selling resource for allotment officers and associations, to provide an update on the policy framework, legislation and practice affecting allotment gardening.

Allotments play a vital role in connecting people to the process of food production, enabling them to grow fresh, cheap food, whilst reducing food miles. They provide valuable green spaces and wildlife habitats, support genetic diversity and preserve rare and unique varieties. At the same time they offer opportunities for people to be active, meet others and share knowledge, information and food. Allotments can help councils and other organisations to achieve a range of important objectives, from health and wellbeing, through to biodiversity and community cohesion.

The guide contains a wealth of innovative and interesting practice and also identifies the main issues for allotment officers and societies, together with tips on how to overcome the challenges they are facing.

The many benefits of allotments are now widely recognised and this revised guide coincides with a resurgence of interest in, enthusiasm and policy support for allotment provision by local and central government.

Find a summary and printable order form here

The guide is also now available online.

See also "A Place to Grow" - produced jointly by LGA and CLG in response to a surge in demand for allotments over the last few years. It provides guidance on how allotment officers and associations can manage waiting lists, maximise the potential of existing sites and work effectively in partnership to meet increased demand. It also provides an overview of allotment legislation and planning policy and sets out alternative gardening options.