What good is an allotment without water?

Currently there is a lot of press coverage of allotments waiting lists, the photo above courtesy of Greenpeace, indicates almost 175,000 across the UK are waiting for an allotment.

Bristol has the highest number of applicants at 7,630 as of 26th July 2023.
There could be many reasons why the city has such a high number, for example it is a growing, thriving place to live so this could push numbers up. Also, land is at a premium for development and whilst green spaces are included in new builds this doesn’t always extend for allotments and even if it does, sometimes plans for them don’t always materialise.

And of course, those that do have plots tend to hang on to them, even if it seems in comparison to some other councils the rents are considered ‘reasonable’. However, rent increases are under discussion in the city. An increase of 25% is being mooted. This may suggest to some that plots are no longer economical and may be a reason to give up, and perhaps, some cynics will say is a way of reducing the waiting list!

But going forward, those of us that do want to persevere with their allotment will it seems be more likely to be under pressure to meet the required 75% cultivation levels under their terms of tenancy. If not, you’ll be told to quit and be replaced by someone on the waiting list!

OK, so 75% cultivation, doesn’t sound too difficult, or does it? Without an ample supply of water which is easy to access, it could be.

Many Bristol allotment sites are fortunate to have a mains supply of water, for some this may not be in a convenient place to their plot, but at least it’s there even if it comes at a price of about £15 per plot, per year. This figure is easy to calculate, in round figures there are 4000 plots in the city, the water bill is £60k.

So, without doubt we need access to water for our plots to be successful, be value for money and above all meet cultivation standards. Saving rainwater is one solution, but if not being allowed to distribute it on our plots to the point of need it reduces the necessity to save it in the first place.

As many will know, connecting a hose to a water butt is currently banned on Bristol allotments by the City Council. For reasons why and what could be achieved please see the photo below.

Our petition seeks to overturn this ban.
Plot holders recognise the need to reduce mains water consumption on our plots yet continue for them to be sustainable, productive and cost effective but without council officials desire to move this forward by discussion there is little chance of any progression.
Please consider signing the petition. Click Here.