Allotments

Why have an allotment?

Allotment gardening can be a very rewarding pastime and can make a valuable contribution to the quality of peoples lives.
Open Space is becoming increasingly important within our communities as the intensity of development increases. Allotments are important recreational assets for people without gardens.

How much will it cost?

An annual fee is payable which varies depending on the size of the plot. Crops can be produced at a fraction of the cost that you would be charged at a greengrocers or a supermarket. Other than the annual rent, all that is invested is a few hours a week, the cost of a small selection of hand tools and a little hard work.

Exercise in the fresh air

The other benefits of being an allotment holder are exercise and relaxation. Allotments give you the opportunity to combine health and leisure pursuits. If fruit and vegetables are grown they are an essential part of a healthy diet and when they are organically grown, you will reduce your exposure to pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Allotments are part of Erewash and many people enjoy gardening for exercise and the pleasure of growing plants.

Environment

Allotments can benefit the environment in may ways. They provide valuable green space within our local towns and cities making them more environmentally friendly, sustainable and attractive places to live. They can also provide varied and valued habitat for wild plants and animals. Locally grown food does not have to be transported long distances, which helps to reduce pollution and road traffic.

Help

All kinds of people rent allotments and there is the opportunity to make new friends. There is always someone on hand to give advice to newcomers and make you feel welcome.

Advice

The best time to start is in the autumn, when the plots can be dug over and can be prepared over the winter. However, many people only start getting enthusiastic when the spring arrives. It is, of course, still possible to produce excellent crops, plants and flowers by taking up a plot then.

The next step

There are over 1000 allotment plots in the Erewash area, with nearly half being under the direct control of the Borough Council. Most of our plots are situated in either Long Eaton or Ilkeston and are spread across 12 separate sites, which are:

• Wilmot Street, Sawley
• Meadow Lane, Long Eaton
• Norfolk Road, Long Eaton
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• Heanor Road, Ilkeston
• Clarksfield, Ilkeston
• Farfield Road, Ilkeston
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• Little Hallam Lane, Ilkeston
• Longfield Lane, Ilkeston• Wirksworth Road, Kirk Hallam

Plot vacancies and renting an allotment

Call:0115 907 2244

Pride-line: 0115 850 8383 (24 hours confidential hotline).