Allotment gardens not only provide affordable fresh, often organic,  fruit and vegetables for the tenants but also provide physical exercise and social interation.

The provision of allotment gardens in Bournemouth dates back to 1921.   The majority of sites are statutory and leased to the respective Societies/Associations with the first lease commencing 1936.  

3.1    Council Provision  

The Council provides 562 allotment plots at 6 sites.   A plan of the distribution of the sites is provided at Appendix 3A.   A site by site analysis of plot numbers, occupancy and waiting lists is provided at Appendix 3B.   The distribution of allotments within the town is geographically unbalanced with the majority of allotment plots in the northwest area.   It is unlikely that there will ever be the opportunity to significantly change this distribution.   There has been a continuing decline in demand for allotments in the northwest of the Borough but increasing demand in the Springbourne and Stourfield areas where there is little provision.

The relocation of Longbarrow allotment site from Jewell Road to Throop Road has been very successful and the aspiration of the other Association and Societies is to achieve equal standards of provision on their sites.   Allotments are vulnerable at times of the day when no allotment holders are present and improved security through adequate fencing and buildings is essential to the sustainability of allotment use. 

3.2    Private Provision  

The Council’s provision is supplemented by an allotment site of approximately 30 plots provided by Talbot Village Trust in Alton Road adjoining the North Bournemouth allotment site. 

3.3    Council Provision For The Future  

It is acknowledged that it is unlikely that the fundamental distribution of allotment sites throughout the town can be changed and that the demand for allotments in the

Springbourne and Stourfield areas is unlikely to diminish.   It is also recognised that there is over-provision in northwest Bournemouth and this is having an adverse effect on the sustainability of the North Bournemouth Allotment Society.  

It is likely that any additional allotment provision in other areas of the town would be provided within the green belt but located so as not to pose any threat to the sustainability of existing Allotment Associations/Societies.

Rental levels currently reflect the use of land as allotments and a well-worked allotment site provides a significant benefit to the plot-holders at the same time as providing physical exercise and social interaction.   The sustainability of Allotment Associations/Societies will improve once site improvements have been undertaken.