Get an allotment
Discover the benefits an allotment can bring both to you and to your local wildlife.
What is an allotment and how do I rent one?
Allotments are small plots of land set aside for local people to rent and grow plants. Allotment size can vary.
Many local councils rent allotments out for about £20 per year. Rules about what you can and can't do or grow depend on the individual council or rental organisation. Some private allotment associations also exist.
You might be allowed to create a pond or plant a tree to make your allotment more wildlife friendly. If not, there are other things that you can do such as choosing wildlife friendly flowers to complement your vegetable patch.
Contact your local council for details of allotment sites near you.
Whatever you choose to grow on an allotment, you can minimise harm to wildlife and maintain natural balance on your plot by using organic methods.
A compost heap is both garden and wildlife friendly. You can use the well rotted compost to nourish the soil and the heap can provide shelter for insects and other small animals. Hedgehogs sometimes shelter in compost heaps and will help to eat the slugs and snails which prey on plants.
Soft fruit bushes are fantastic for birds such as blackbirds and thrushes, though they may be stripped of raspberries and currants before you have time to harvest them yourself! Some allotment associations don't allow these fruits to be grown.
Companion planting is a natural way of maintaining balance and reducing unwanted pests. Plant marigolds next to tomatoes, for example, as they produce a scent that deters pests such as greenfly and blackfly. Nectar loving insects such as bees and butterflies will also benefit from the flowers.
Ponds are a wildlife magnet and are allowed on some allotments. Make sure that your pond has a sloping edge so that animals can drink and climb out easily if they fall in.
