UK: Allotments thrust into the Government spotlight
“With more people recognising the health and environmental benefits of growing their own food, it’s vital that we expand access to these vital green spaces to ensure that no one is left waiting.”
By Paul Whitehouse
Rotherham Advertiser
Apr 14, 2025
Excerpt:
Allotments may sound more like parish council subject matter than something for the corridors of power in Whitehall.
But it would wrong to make that assumption when Rotherham MP Sarah Champion is around.
She has tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill – which is part of Government planning reforms – which could see more land for allotments and community gardens being made available.
There is a national shortage of allotments, which have bounced back into fashion after decades in the doldrums.
It is estimated there are 90,000 wanting to sign up for a plot, nationally.
She has been working with Mike Farrell, a Rotherham resident and Chair of the National Allotment Society (NAS), to campaign for the changes.
Labour’s manifesto committed to promote nature recovery, through large-scale projects like riverwalks and national forests.
Sarah’s amendment seeks to leverage the opportunity on offer in smaller-scale nature recovery projects.
Read the complete article here.
Source: https://cityfarmer.info/uk-allotments-thrust-into-the-government-spotlight/
