Allotments

We've just over 620 allotment plots across 26 sites that we manage directly.

We also have 10 self-managed allotment sites with their own Allotment Society who manage their own waiting lists.

Where permission is required, it's granted on a site by site and plot by plot basis as not all locations are suitable.

Waiting lists for allotments

There is currently a waiting list of between 6-7 years to get a plot and over 1,500 people are on the waiting list.

The length of time people wait depends on how specific they have been about where they want the plot - they don't come free very often.

To overcome this long waiting time, we're splitting larger vacant plots into a number of smaller plots and being more proactive about dealing with non-cultivation by plot-holders. We're also looking at setting up new allotment sites and hoping this will reduce the waiting time, but can't guarantee this.

Apply for an allotment or update your details

Use our online form to:

• Apply for an allotment
• Update your details
• Remove yourself from the waiting list for an allotment

Apply for an allotment or update your details

Uses for your allotment

Gardening and growing your own produce is a great way to stay healthy both physically and mentally. Find out how gardens boost your mental and physical health

On an allotment you can:

• Grow fruit and vegetables
• Ask for permission to keep chickens, ducks and pigeons
• Ask for permission to keep bees
• Grow a limited amount of cut flowers

Donate food from your allotment

Donating food isn't just a great way to help those in need, but it helps the planet too. The UK throws away over 9 tonnes of food a year which emits around 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

By feeding people and not landfills, you can do your part to reduce emissions and give help to someone who needs it.

If you find you have more food from your allotment than you'll use, check if you can donate it to your local food bank.

• Find a food bank to donate food

Self-managed allotments

As well as going on the council allotment waiting list, you may also wish to contact the Self-Managed Allotment Site Society to join their waiting list too.

Boarshaw T&R Allotments and Valley Road Allotments are located on Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) land. This means the final management of these 2 allotments lies with RBH.