Council Services
Allotments
Norwich has over 1,490 allotment plots on 18 sites which are managed by our green spaces team. Plots vary in size, and the average sized plot is 250 square metres.
If you require further information about our allotment scheme then have a look at some frequently asked questions or contact the green spaces team 0344 980 3333 or email info@norwich.gov.uk
- Why have an allotment?
- Where are the allotments?
- Organic allotments
- How much is a plot?
- Applying for an allotment
- Allotment management
- Bonfires
- The Allotment Association
- Initiatives
- Frequently asked questions
Why have an allotment?
There are a number of reasons to have an allotment:
- fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers all year round
- if chickens are kept there are fresh eggs
- gardening is good exercise.
Having an allotment is also a good way to make friends and learn gardening skills.
Where are the allotments?
There are allotment sites all over the city many of which have sheds and fresh water provided from March to November. Click on the link below for details of where they are located:
Organic allotments
There are organic areas at Mousehold North, Woodlands and Bluebell South.
How much is a plot?
The average cost is £37.50 a year for a 250 square metre plot. People eligible for the Go 4less scheme can receive a discount.
Applying for an allotment?
To apply for an allotment call 0344 980 3333 or email info@norwich.gov.uk.
There are waiting lists for all allotment sites and an agreement will need to be signed before a plot is taken on. Download the agreement for terms and conditions:
Allotment agreement (27.4 KB pdf)
Allotment management
Management of allotments is shared between the customer contact team and the three parks and open spaces officers. If you have an enquiry, your first call should always be to the customer contact team on 0344 980 3333 or email info@norwich.gov.uk
The customer contact team deal with the administrative side of allotment management, eg change of address, waiting list, invoicing, and also manages all enquiries by starting a computer process that assigns each issue to the appropriate officer. The three parks and open spaces officers are area-based, covering the west, east and south of the city; they carry out site inspections, unworked plots, re-measure plots and deal with maintenance issues. However, all enquiries regarding these issues should be directed to 0344 980 3333 in the first instance.
Bonfires
Bonfires can be used for garden waste that cannot be composted, but in such a way which does not create a nuisance for other people. For information about when you can have a bonfire download the guidance notes below:
Bonfires on allotments (27 KB pdf)
The Allotment Association
There is an Allotment Association based at Bluebell Allotments on The Avenues. For more information call 01603 503166 or visit www.bluebellallotments.co.uk
Initiatives
Stong Roots, based on Bluebell North, is a therapeutic horticultural project which provides a safe and supportive environment that encourages participants’ personal development. It is run by Lucy Scurfield who has a great deal of experience in the therapeutic use of horticulture with vulnerable groups of people, including ex-offenders, adults with learning difficulties, those experiencing mental illness, asylum seekers and refugees. Contact Lucy Scurfield on 07746 364668 or email lucyscurfield@freeuk.com for further details.
Sustainable Living Initiative is a non-profit distributing social enterprise that has a ‘grow-our-own’ allotment project based on Bluebell South. It is aimed at encouraging and supporting people to grow their own organic fruit and vegetables. Other activities include recycling, composting and organising a discussion forum in the context of sustainable development. Contact Mahesh Pant on 01603 455868 or email sustainable@talktalk.net or visit www.grow-our-own.co.uk for more information.
If you would like more information about allotments call 0344 980 3333 or email info@norwich.gov.uk
