Topic: Starting a new allotment project!

[cavalonero]

Hi,

I am trying to get a new allotment project up and running in a small but thriving village in Berkshire.  I am aware of the Alloment and Smallholdings Act which obliges parish councils to find land, but I would VERY much appreciate any further advice any users can offer, ideally based on their own experiences.

In particular:

Availability of funding (other than money from Parish Councils /Parish Plan)

Recommended size of plots and normal annual rental charges imposed

Any further tips or warnings of potential pitfalls!

Many thanks in advance for any help you can offer......

[saddad]

Normal Plot size is probably 300 sq yards... (10 Poles) Rents vary depending on your landlord. We pay £15 pa but the city average is £48+pa... Area panel and Lottery have both given us funding. The allotment/regeneration thing could be useful... hopefully someone who hasn't bee drinking could give you a link...
 ;D

[Vortex]

Do you mean the National Society for Allotments and Leisure Gardens http://www.nsalg.org.uk/ ?

[BAK]

NSALG is good for general advice.

In terms of funding, the link for the allotment regeneration initiative that Saddad is referring to is

http://www.farmgarden.org.uk/ari/

In essence, you have to monitor closely what grants are available at a given time ... money tends to become available under a certain banner for a while until the funds run out .. then you have to wait for the next "banner"

Manicscousers and her site seem to be generally on the ball in this respect.

[STEVEB]

Remember to add on the costs of liability insurance too

[cavalonero]

thanks for the replies!

[manicscousers]

if you're looking for any ideas about funding, go to allotment regeneration initiative, lots there  ;D