Shepherd Road Allotments

The Town Council took over the management of the allotments in 2005. Since then it has invested time, money and energy into the site for the benefit of the plot holders. Under the council’s stewardship some of the very large plots have been split in half so that more allotments are available to rent. There are now approximately 120 plots under cultivation on the Shepherd Road site.

The site is managed on a day-to-day basis by the committee made up of allotment holders. They give up their time to mow the communal areas; renovate plots that have fallen into disuse/ disrepair; they maintain the water course and keep the site running smoothly. They make equipment such as strimmers available to plot holders for a nominal fee which is then used to fund additional equipment and resources.

The allotments have benefitted significantly from their work and enthusiasm./There is now a chalet on the site in which plot holders can meet or base events there. The social side of the allotments has grown tremendously with the highlights of the year being the August Open Day and the November Bonfire Night celebrations. The Allotment Association has been very successful in attracting additional funding and this has been used to provide a significant number of water butts and a composting toilet which has just been installed. Allotment holders can purchase seeds at a discount by buying in bulk and a number of local Garden Centres offer a discount to members. The Town Council, working in conjunction with the allotment holders monitor the site closely and action is taken when plots are not being cultivated.

The waiting list for plots stands at 44 at the time of writing and the council is trying to buy or lease additional land in St. Anne's so that more people can enjoy the pleasures of growing their own fruit, vegetables and flowers. For further information about the allotments please contact the Town Clerk (townclerk@stannestowncouncil.gov.uk)