Allotment inspections

The Council will formally inspect allotments during the main growing season and on an ad hoc basis throughout the year. We do this to benefit current tenants, people on the waiting list, the surrounding community and the local environment.

What we expect to find:

• all plots (including any greenhouses or polytunnels) to be fully worked and utilised for the ‘growing of produce to feed your household’
• the plot is clean, tidy and free from perennial and annual weeds or rubbish
• cultivation to cover 75% of the allotment plot within 12 months of starting the tenancy
• paths are neatly maintained, grass cut, free of weeds/rubbish and obstructions
• hedges and fences are cut and well maintained
• sheds and greenhouses are in good condition
• all the area available in greenhouses or polytunnels is being used
• the crops grown are clean, healthy and free from pest and disease.

As per allotment agreement, it is the plot holders responsibility to cleanse, repair and maintain all ditches, fences, gates and paths forming part of or adjoining the plot excluding the boundary fences of the Allotment Gardens.

We inspect our sites regularly to ensure that all plots are being fully worked and we will take appropriate action if plot holders are not working their plot in keeping with their tenancy agreement.

If you have a genuine reason why you can’t work your plot you must contact us as soon as possible to explain the circumstances.

2025 Spring/Summer inspections

The 2025 Spring / Summer allotment inspections will start after the end of May Bank Holiday and will continue into early June, as listed below. As before, all the dates given are for the week starting date, for example Monday, 9 June

Please be aware that due to the nature of the work, the inspections are time and weather dependent and therefore can be subject to change without notice. We are unable therefore to confirm exactly which day during the week that the individual sites will be inspected.

Although inspections were deferred from Autumn 2024, plots are still expected to be well maintained and meet the cultivation standards detailed in your tenancy agreement.