© UKHAB
The following is a short summary of the habitat type and how to create/enhance it to a "good" condition. For an informed position, please refer to official up-to-date Government guidance or the UK Government's Condition Assessment Sheet.
Land used for the cultivation of fruit and vegetables with numerous plots rented to local people in an urban area.
Allotments are food growing sites where people rent a small plot, usually from their local council or an association that manages the site on behalf of the landowner.
According to Natural England, by using planters and raised beds, even small places that would normally be unvegetated, including places with hardstanding or even roofs or podiums, can become places for communities to gather, interact and grow food. Allotments are important for biodiversity, especially in urban areas. They can support a variety of plant species and provide habitats for wildlife, including pollinators and birds. Management practices should focus on sustainable gardening methods, such as composting, organic pest control, and efficient water usage, to enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, allotments can serve as community spaces, promoting social interaction and physical activity among plot holders.
Assessment Questions:
- Is the land divided into individual plots for the purpose of growing fruit, vegetables, and other plants?
- Is the site managed by a local authority, allotment association, or a similar organisation?
- Are the plots rented out or allocated to individuals or families, especially from the local community?
- Is the site located within or near an urban area?
If YES, then it is likely 'Urban - Allotments'.
How to Create / Enhance to a "Good" condition
It should not be placed in the outer spatial periphery of a new development as it can be vulnerable targets for intruders, vandalism and crime. This can affect social inclusion, as vulnerable users can be deterred from taking up plots and existing plotholders can be driven to quit. A site which is miles from the nearest houses and which can only be reached by car will increase carbon emissions and deter potential users without access to a vehicle. By applying the spatial design principles of ‘The 20 Minute Neighbourhood’ and integrating allotments into the heart of the new development's built design, social inclusion and durability can be designed-in to ensure ongoing access for all and without increasing car use (source).
Information relating to pricing can be found here.
⚠️ Important Note
Allotment habitats will typically have dual purposes between community function, private use, and biodiversity. The degree to which the management of this habitat type will also likely vary depending on how allotments are rented to tenants. As such, a competent person should demonstrate an appropriate degree of experience and knowledge in the management of allotments for biodiversity.
How to get a "moderate" or "good" rating
There are three tests:
- Vegetation structure is varied, providing opportunities for vertebrates and invertebrates to live, eat and breed. A single structural habitat component or vegetation type does not account for more than 80% of the total habitat area.
- The habitat parcel contains different plant species that are beneficial for wildlife, for example flowering species providing nectar sources for a range of invertebrates at different times of year.
- Invasive non-native plant species and others which are to the detriment of native wildlife (using professional judgement) cover less than 5% of the total vegetated area (must be 0% to get a 'Good' rating).
If you pass all 3 tests and have 0% on the third test, the condition is 'good'.
If you pass 2 tests, or pass 3 tests but don't get 0% on the third test, the condition is 'moderate'
If you pass 1 or less tests the condition is 'poor'
Useful Resources
Please note that this is a simple guide to help identify the habitat. For a definitive description, please refer to UKHab documentation. Joe's Blooms takes no responsibility for the content of external links.