Allotments in Aberdeen

What is an allotment?

Allotments are small plots of cultivatable land that are set aside and rented specifically for the production of fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs, etc. They were originally established in the late 1800s as a means to improve the well-being of the poorer classes in urban areas – by giving them the opportunity to grow more nutritious food required to improve their health.

Allotments are currently going through a resurgence period and are now managed by people from all walks of life, from students to young professionals and older people.

What are allotments good for?

Allotments can bring a variety of benefits, not just to individual plot holders, but also to their families, their communities and the environment. Allotments are an important and integral part of the City's community infrastructure. They are places for:

• Economical cultivation of produce
• Organic cultivation of produce
• Exercising and improving physical well-being
• Relaxing and improving mental well-being
• Learning and developing skills
• Socialising with like minded people
• Providing community green spaces
• Conducting community activities and improving community cohesion
• Protecting wildlife

Where are they?

Aberdeen has 464 Council owned allotment plots located across 22 sites. In addition to this there are also a few sites in private ownership. Our allotment plots vary in size from approximately 300m² for a full size plot, 225m² for a 3/4 size plot, 150m² for a half size plot, and 50m² for a Micro Plot. The majority of our allotments are located in the south of the City. 

How much do they cost?

The fees to rent a Council allotment plot for 2012/13 are outlined in the table below:

Plot	Size (approx)	Fee (Annually)	Concession
Full	300m2	£77	£38.50
3/4	225m2	£57.75	£28.88
1/2	150m2	£38.50	£19.25
Micro Plot	50m2	£11	No Concession

These costs are inclusive of water charges.  Concessionary rates are available to anyone of pensionable age and are currently 50% of the full fee. There may be an additional fee to join an allotment association for a specific site should you choose to do so.

Please note: The current fee structure will likely change for 2013/14. All individual allotment plot holders will be informed about any changes prior to their implementation.

Allotment Account Information

• Breakdown of Income Per Site 2011-2012
• Allotment Ledger Accounts 2011-2012
• Allotment Site Income 2011-2012

The above documents will be available to view shortly.

How do I get one?

Anyone resident in Aberdeen has the right to rent an allotment plot in the City. To put in a request for an allotment plot, please either:

• download an application form from this page; or
• use the contact details at the base of this page to request a hard copy of the form.
• submit it to the address below, by mail or in person

What if there are no allotments available?

Allotments are increasingly popular. More often than not there will be a waiting list for an allotment plot at all our allotment sites. If, at the time of your application, there is no allotment plot available at the location(s) you choose, you will be automatically placed on the waiting list(s) for those sites.

You could be on the waiting list for a lengthy period.

What are we doing to grow Aberdeen's allotments?

In 2007, we held an informal consultation with our allotment plot holders on the future of our allotments. Their feedback, together with our own long-term aspirations, led us to develop an Allotments Management Policy. This Policy was approved by our Policy & Strategy Committee on 7 October 2008.

The main aim of the Policy is 'to develop and secure high quality allotment facilities and management … in conjunction with all stakeholders.' We hope you'll agree that this is a very positive aim. The Policy goes on to list 15 high level actions that will help us on the road to achieving this aim. The full Policy document, including the actions can be downloaded from the 'Downloadable form(s)' section to the top right of this page.

We are now in the process of implementing the Policy.

Where can I find out more about allotments?

For more information, please make see the downloadable forms and related links at the top of this page. 

What if I have any questions or concerns?

For help in answering any allotment-related questions, you can either call directly in to us, or telephone or email us using the contact details below. Our office hours are between 09.00 and 17:00.

Contacts

• Pat Wilson
  Housing & Environment, Allotments
  1st Floor
  Kittybrewster Depot
  38 Powis Terrace
  Aberdeen
  AB25 3RF
  Phone: 01224 489441
  Fax: 01224 487807
  Email: pwilson@aberdeencity.gov.uk