It’s no surprise that so many people want to get growing as having an allotment has been linked to improvements in physical and mental health, a strengthened community, an increased connection to nature, a sense of achievement, and of course, a way of growing your own fresh produce! 

At the end of 2023 Bristol City Council suggested making some changes to their allotment rules and their tenancy agreements. A consultation, found online here, on these changes is now underway, ending on 22^nd January 2024. The rules on allotments are quite complex so the council have produced an outline of the proposed changes here.

The production of healthy food goes hand-in-hand with a healthy ecosystem, which in turn creates a more climate resilient landscape. It is possible to grow food and create space for wildlife at the same time as we have shown at Grow Wilder and as local people all across the region have shown as part of Team Wilder. This blog and our response to the consultation seeks to highlight these important links and support some of the proposed changes.

We welcome the proposal for rainwater harvesting to be added to all sheds, this is a great way to reduce water use on site and improve self-sufficiency. We are also pleased to see that the council is allowing bees to remain on plots. Bees are important pollinators and do vital work essential to many crops. 

Another proposal states that “all trees are to be removed from plots except the permitted dwarf root stock fruit trees”. The removal of trees is of concern however we are pleased to see that there is potential for mature trees to remain following advice from the Tree Officer, especially as native trees offer multiple benefits in a food growing environment:

• Native trees are home to many species of invertebrates which can act as pollinators or natural pest control in food-growing areas. Providing homes for these invertebrates can help achieve the council’s Ecological Emergency strategic goals of reducing pesticides by 30% by 20230. 
   
• Trees can be used to help us adapt to climate change. They improve soil structure, increasing rainwater infiltration, reducing surface runoff and protecting soils from erosion, this also  reduces the severity of droughts. The shading they provide in the summer can protect crops from scorching and offers people a valuable refuge from the heat. Keeping native trees will also help the council reach their 2030 Natural environment goals set out in their Climate strategy.

Hedgerows planted as boundaries between plots might also face removal under the new rules. If made up of native species, these offer similar benefits as trees, especially if planted across sloping areas where they slow the flow of surface water, or in very exposed areas where they act as a wind break, protecting crops. Hedgerows can also act as vital wildlife corridors which improves connectivity across the site, we would like to see this taken into consideration when decisions are made.

Many commercial farmers are exploring how to increase tree cover and hedgerows in productive areas to maximise these kinds of benefit. There is a going awareness that planting new trees or protecting young ones now will reap larger rewards in the future.

We would be keen to see this kind of approach being taken on allotments too, rather than a blanket rule to remove all trees and hedges.

Rule 3.15 in the allotment tenancy also states that wildflowers are not permitted on plots and only on designated areas set aside for wildlife. We understand this is to maximise food production and trust that the designated nature areas have been strategically chosen to maximise their benefits.

We hope that the council will view allotments as spaces that could further the goals set out in the parks and green spaces strategy, which states that;

“Our green spaces are rich and diverse in nature and wildlife, and key to tackling the climate and ecological emergencies. Our work to plant more trees, promote biodiversity, protect wildlife habitats and support local food production, all contribute to a healthy and sustainable city.”

Want to have your say and share your thoughts about the new changes to allotment rules and tenancy agreements and how they might impact our local ambitions to be rich in nature and wildlife? The council are welcoming feedback on the link below by Wednesday 31st January. 

Have your say! 

Join the Team Wilder movement 

Take the chemical-free pledge for your garden or allotment