Welcome to the Local Allotments!

Would you like to grow your own vegetables, flowers, fruit and herbs? If so, it might be that you would like to take on the tenancy of an allotment in Bideford. We currently have 131 allotments spread over 3 sites in Bideford, which can be let to Bideford parishoners.

What are the benefits?

Over the past few years there has been a significant increase nationally in the number of people wishing to take on a plot on an allotment site. The benefits gained from working a plot are greater than just being able to produce your own, fresh produce. Working the ground and the physical exercise and fresh air involved, are good for your health and the social aspects are also available to be enjoyed. There is a good community spirit at all our sites, and there is always someone around to welcome new plot holders and give advice and help if required.

Latest News! Allotment site and plot competition winners

Early in July, on a beautiful afternoon, the judging took place for the best allotment site and the best plot in Bideford.  The three allotment sites, Pollyfield, Marland and Tricks were all  looking extremely well cared for and productive and the judging committee had a very difficult task ahead of them.  The judges comprised of the Mayor, Councillor Phil Pester, and a member of our Allotment Committee, Councillor Simon Inch, a keen gardener himself.  
The judges marked against a set of judging criteria and carefully appraised all 135 plots as well as the 3 sites.  They considered issues such as the cleanliness of the sites, the upkeep of the paths, the absence of weeds and the quality of the vegetables and fruit including variety and seasonality.  After a 3 hour judging stint, which the judges said they thoroughly enjoyed the winners were: Best Site: Tricks and Best Plot:   Plot 20 - also at the Tricks site.  The winners will be awarded a cup which they will then keep for a year. There were some very close contenders for the best plot and the judges also gave commendations to three other plots.  These were: Plot 37 (Tricks), Plot 10 (Marland) and Plot 15 (Pollyfield).  Well done to all three sites for their lovely gardens.

The Allotment Site in your area of Bideford

Marland

This site is situated at the end of West Croft Junior School’s playing field, and accessed via Marland Terrace. The site can be a little windy, but the soil is reasonably good, if a little heavy in places. There are 25 full plots and 9 half plots on this site. There is currently no water on site, but the Marland Allotment Association is currently working hard to instigate some improvements on site, which will include the provision of water for each plot. There is a very good community spirit at the Marland Site and the majority of the plots are well worked. On the 1 September 2009 the Marland site became self-managed and is essentially run by the allotment holders for the allotment holders.

Pollyfield

This site is situated behind the Pollyfield Centre at East the Water. There are fabulous views across the river from this site and access is very easy. A limited number of vehicles can be driven right up to the gateway and members of the Pollyfield Allotment Association are currently in the process of widening the central pathway. There is a good community spirit at this site, and there is always someone on hand to welcome new people. The majority of plots here are well worked and the soil is good. There are 33 full plots on this site.

Tricks

This site is situated between Pynes Lane and Backaborough Lane. There are fabulous views across Bideford and access is good. Vehicles can be parked on Capern Road and a limited number can be driven on site. The soil is excellent and there is rarely a weedy plot at Tricks. Members of the Tricks site are working hard to improve the site and have recently instigated some tree surgery to the boundary hedges. There are 61 full plots and 3 half plots on this site and there is nearly always someone on site. New plot holders are welcomed and there is always someone around from whom advice can be sought.

Marland This site is well placed to become responsible for running the site themselves as an active allotment association has been operating here for a couple of years. Before a site can take the step of devolved management, it must have an elected committee in place which includes a Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. A lease agreement has been drawn up between the Town Council and the Marland Allotment Association for an initial period of 5 years. After this time, there will be an opportunity to review the terms of the lease.

Self Management

So why self-management – how will this benefit the allotment holders? Well apart from the feeling of satisfaction and sense of community they will achieve from running their own site, self-managed associations are able to access funding through sources that are not available to Councils. The plot holders also have that “ear to the ground” advantage, in that they know exactly what is happening on site, so any problems can be rectified quickly. For example, a self-managed group will tend to know when a plot holder is ill and not able to tend their plot, in a way that is not always apparent to an officer. However, self-management will involve extra work and responsibility for those at Marland and especially the committee members. They are now responsible for such tasks as maintaining the waiting list, letting the plots, collecting rents, provision of water and arranging the Annual General Meeting with audited accounts. The aim of the association is to improve conditions on site, to improve facilities and to increase usage of the site. It is also looking to actively promote interest in allotment gardening to individuals, organisations, charities, schools and self help groups.

Further Information

How to Apply: You are eligible to apply for an allotment if you are on the register of electors for Bideford. Application forms can be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office, or can be downloaded from this site. If you have any further questions, please telephone Heather Blackburn at the Town Clerk’s office on 428818 or call in for a chat.

Application Forms:

Marland Terrace Tenancy Agreement
Pollyfield Tenancy Agreement
Tricks Tenancy Agreement