Page 43 - ALG Issue 2 2025

SOUTHERN Welcome to…
23 individuals
Fyfield United Charities
Binfield Parish Council
Bramley Parish Council
(Hampshire)
100th Elvetham Heath Scout Group
VIEW FROM
THE SOUTH
For one of our allotment associations,
last year did not start well. Instead
of a message of "peace and goodwill
to all," tenants received letters from
the Church Diocese’s solicitors, giving
them 12 months' notice to vacate their
allotment site, which had been earmarked
for housing development. They were
offered an alternative site in the corner
of an adjacent field, previously intensively
farmed for cereal crops.
The new site, on a north-facing slope with
a tall hedge and trees along the southern
aspect, presented significant challenges.
However, following intervention by NAS, the
developers expressed a willingness to work
closely with the allotment association to
ease the transition for plotholders.
On a brighter note, several new
allotment sites have been provided
alongside housing developments in other
parts of the region. The Southern Region
has been actively supporting parish councils
in drafting robust tenancy agreements and
advising on cultivation standards.
Like the rest of the country, the South
experienced extreme weather conditions
last year – favourable for some crops,
challenging for others. No two years are
ever the same, and as gardeners, we must
adapt to whatever nature provides. Another
challenge has been adjusting to peat-reduced
and peat-free compost, with mixed results.
Despite progress, there still aren’t enough
allotment plots being created alongside new
housing developments. To meet growing
demand, many local authorities are now
dividing larger plots into smaller ones.
Now, as spring approaches, seed packets
are organised, seed potatoes have arrived,
and the excitement of the growing season
builds! The temptation to sow too early is
always there, but experience teaches us
that patience pays off – spindly seedlings
due to low light levels are a familiar lesson
in the gardener’s journey.
The first Allotment Officer Forum of the
year is about to take place, covering a wide
range of important topics. These forums
"No two years are ever the same, and as
gardeners, we must adapt"
provide a valuable opportunity for allotment
officers to discuss local challenges, share
solutions, and benefit from NAS guidance.
The Southern Region spans Berkshire,
Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire,
Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. We have
a small but dedicated Regional Committee,
and we’d love to hear from anyone willing
to volunteer a little time to help keep in
touch with members or assist at shows.
Our most significant regional event is the
Royal County of Hampshire and New
Forest Show, held at the end of July during
the first week of the school summer
holidays.
If you’re interested in getting involved,
we’d love to hear from you!
Mike Cantillon
Southern Representative
Allotment and Leisure Gardener | Issue 2 2025 | 43