London Allotment Associations – Interactive Map

Here is a list of all the allotments in London on our interactive map.  Zoom into your home borough to find a London allotment near you.

There is a serious lack of allotment sites — and in the past, those wanting to go green needed to join an extreme waiting list. Then the pandemic hit and had the effect of increasing the long wait for London allotments to unmanageable levels.

The total number of allotments in London adds up to a modest 741 sites with 40,000 individual plots. These sites span 32 boroughs — in prized areas such as Regents Park — though most are in Brent, Bromley, and Ealing.

Shrinking Availability

Though a full plot is more common, half plots are also an option on many sites. Plots still go by the measurement of perches and poles — each unit is equal to 250 square metres. Across the UK, there are 300,000 allotments, but this is a considerable reduction from the respectable 1.5 million plots of 1918.

Allotment interest is increasing, though the number of sites is reducing. The wait for an allotment plot is now so extreme that booking a plot should be a factor in a middle-aged Londoner’s retirement plan.

Even with the known benefits to the community and wildlife, allotments are thinning out. Soaring property prices in London are putting existing sites under threat of extinction. Over the past decade, London has lost over 40 allotment sites to other projects, increasing the time applicants spend on waiting lists.

Allotments are often under threat from the expiration of 100-year leases. Northfield lost part of its land to new housing developments, despite being a refuge for wildlife since 1832. Northfield Avenue of Ealing is now around 60-percent of its original size.

A recent target of lease expiry is the three-acre Park Road site, which was earmarked for property development. The Park Road allotment was rescued by the local community and council in 2021.

Waiting for Decades

Waiting lists for an allotment plot after an application are averaging out at 11 years. Patient gardeners from Camden can expect to wait over 18 years. In fact, of the 300 councils offering allotments, Camden was the area with the longest waiting time.

Other council areas are not much better, with waiting times for a Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth plot extending beyond 17 years. Islington residents can expect to wait over 13 years to realise their dreams for a plot.

Growing Interest

Despite the increase in property prices, the cost of renting an allotment remains well within affordable. Even in the most exclusive boroughs of London, an allotment can cost less than £100 per year, making them fantastic value for money.

Families are looking for a way to educate their children it the ways of how to cultivate. The increased cost of living, use of pesticides on crops, and reliance on imports are other incentives to grow self-reliant produce.

The desire to have a green space, to be able to grow a range of vegetables, and to become self-sufficient is becoming more common. The popularisation of solo-living is getting people into growing and enjoying time with nature.

Pressure to Plant

To combat this growing demand, there is an ongoing impetus for the creation of new allotments. Several societies are pushing for investment to drive such projects.

As a lasting solution, local councils need to repurpose the land currently occupied by disused and abandoned projects. But for the immediate future, we can expect the number of allotments in London to shrink further.

London Allotment Associations List

He’s is a  list of all the London allotment associations. Simply copy and paste them into Google to find more details. We had a live list of links but they kept changing the URLs, it was a full-time job keeping them maintained!

Addison Gardens Allotment Association, Kingston-upon-Thames

Addison Gardens Allotment Association is a community-driven group of green-fingered individuals who have come together to cultivate a shared passion for gardening. Nestled in the heart of Kingston-upon-Thames, this little oasis of greenery offers locals the opportunity to connect with nature and grow their own fresh produce.

Members of the association have access to their plots, which they can use to grow everything from juicy tomatoes and fragrant herbs to crunchy carrots and crisp lettuce. The association also hosts regular events, such as garden parties and plant swaps, allowing members to socialize and exchange tips and tricks. With a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, the Addison Gardens Allotment Association is an excellent example of how communities can come together to make positive changes for people and the planet.

Website: https://agaa.org.uk/

Alexandra Palace Allotment Association, Muswell Hill

The Alexandra Palace Allotment Association, located in the charming neighbourhood of Muswell Hill, is a vibrant and thriving community of gardening enthusiasts.

With a long waiting list for plots, it’s clear that this association is highly sought after by locals keen to get their hands dirty and grow their produce. The allotments themselves are beautifully maintained, with a diverse range of plants and vegetables being grown throughout the year.

Members of the association can participate in workshops and events where they can learn new gardening skills and connect with like-minded people. The association also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with composting facilities and rainwater harvesting systems in place to reduce their environmental impact. The Alexandra Palace Allotment Association is a true gem of the Muswell Hill community, providing a peaceful and productive space for residents to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.

Website: https://apaa.org.uk/w/

Alric Avenue Allotments Association, New Malden

The Alric Avenue Allotments Association is a community gardening organization located in New Malden, UK. The association manages a large area of land divided into plots where members can grow their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

The association provides resources such as water, tools, and storage facilities to its members. In addition to individual plots, there are communal areas where members can come together to share knowledge, organize events, and socialize. The Alric Avenue Allotments Association is an active and inclusive community with members of all ages and backgrounds. It promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly gardening practices and encourages its members to be good stewards of the land and to encourage wildlife.

Website: https://alricallotments.co.uk/

Barfield Allotment Society, Whetstone

The Barfield Allotment Society is a community of gardeners located in Whetstone, North London. Founded in the 1930s, the society manages a large area of land that is divided into individual plots which members can rent to grow their own crops.

The society provides resources such as communal areas, storage facilities, and water, making it easier for members to grow their crops. The society is passionate about sustainability and encourages its members to practice eco-friendly gardening techniques, such as composting and using natural pest control methods.

The society hosts various events throughout the year, including garden shows, seed swaps, and workshops, which bring members together to share knowledge and socialize. The Barfield Allotment Society is a friendly and welcoming community which provides its members with a great opportunity to get involved in gardening and make new friends.

Website: https://www.barnetallotments.org.uk/allotments/barfield-avenue

Barnet Allotment Federation

The Barnet Allotment Federation is an organization that represents and supports allotment sites across the London Borough of Barnet. The federation was established in the 1970s to provide a unified voice for the many different allotment sites in the borough. The society has 44 different allotments across Barnet, so hopefully, you should be able to find one available near you. Here’s a free to explore to see if the waiting list is open.

The federation works to promote the benefits of allotment gardening, such as improved mental and physical health, and to support the allotment community. They provide advice and assistance to allotment associations on a range of issues, including site management, planning, and legal matters.

The federation also organizes events and training sessions for allotment holders and works to build links between different allotment sites. The Barnet Allotment Federation plays an important role in protecting and promoting allotment gardening in the borough and in ensuring that allotment sites remain a vital part of the local community.

Website: https://www.barnetallotments.org.uk/

Bells Hill Allotment Society, Barnet

Bells Hill Allotment Society is a community gardening organization located in Barnet, North London. Established in 1926, the society offers allotment plots for individuals and families to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

With over 100 plots spread across a six-acre site, members can enjoy a peaceful and green environment to connect with nature and engage in gardening activities. The society also hosts social events and workshops throughout the year, fostering a sense of community and promoting knowledge-sharing among members.

Bells Hill Allotment Society is a valuable resource for those interested in sustainable living, gardening, and community building in Barnet.

Website: https://www.barnetallotments.org.uk/allotments/bells-hill

Belmont Allotment Association, Sutton

Belmont Allotment Association is a community gardening organization located in Sutton, South London. Founded in 1950, the association offers allotment plots to local residents, providing a space to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

The association’s allotment site spans over six acres, with more than 140 plots available to members. Members can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil environment, surrounded by trees and wildlife, to engage in gardening activities and connect with nature. The association also hosts community events, social gatherings, and workshops, providing an opportunity for members to socialize and share gardening knowledge.

Belmont Allotment Association is an excellent resource for those interested in sustainable living, organic gardening, and community building in Sutton.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/BelmontAllotments/

Belmont Lane Allotments & Leisure Gardens, Bromley

Brain

Brian Sheridan has an allotment in Edgbaston and is a competitive grower.  Brian is also a keen photographer and loves cooking.  Brian and his wife Mary will also be running a stall at Edgebaston artisan market this year, selling products made from the allotment, including his award-winning relish!