Forum Topic

Ascott allotments

Does anyone know what the real-world waiting time is for a plot?Or does anyone have a plot that they're strugggling with and would like a part-time helper, in exchange for some produce?I help my g/f out on her allotment the other side of London a couple of hours a week. Love it, but not entirely sure I have what it takes to be a full-time plotholder myself.

Mark Vale ● 4407d8 Comments

I am glad that the Ealing Dean allotments have taken over the management of the plots. The Pathways manager was pretty dire. A friend of mine spent a couple of years on the list to the point where she was Number Two on the list (according to Pathways), and when a couple more allotments were handed out she contacted Pathways to see how things were going. Mysteriously, she was no longer Number Two of the list, but merely "near the top" once more. Gazumped - if such a thing is possible with allotments? Anyway, sensing that was a losing game/stitch up she gave up.

Peter Mcleod ● 4405d

Hi MarkI am the chair of the Ealing Dean Allotment Society and we manage the Northfield allotments on behalf of the charity Pathways. We work on a first come first served basis. Unfortunately getting a plot can be a slow process. We only rent out half plots in order to keep the list moving. However, we do find many people give up after only a year. They just don't realise what hard work it is and how time consuming it can be.We have only just taken over this year and I do try and "tell it like it is". Allotments are not like gardens. When you take one on - it will probably be overgrown and full of perennial weeds. That said definitely put your name down on every waiting list and see what pops up.If you are keen to volunteer - I might have some projects you could get involved in.you can contact me via this pagehttp://ealingdean.co.uk/contactuse the Category - WAITING LIST and the message will be forwarded to me.Christina FoxChair: Ealing Dean Allotment Society

Christina Fox ● 4406d

There is a whole unused derelict allotment site off the north end of Popes Lane with dozens of plots. You could ask your local councillor about these; you will NOT get any help from the salaried employees of the Council on this topic

Peter Mcleod ● 4406d

Do not be discouraged! Shop around. There are about 30 allotment sites in Ealing and it is worth ringing around their various managers and committees to see if something is available. Often people "sit" on the waiting list turning down plots that require work until one comes up that requires less effort to get going. These grottier plots pass on to pepple further down the list. If you want to grow veg there are plots around though they will not be in the "political" centre of Ealing.

Peter Mcleod ● 4406d

That link shows 85 people waiting, and as you say 2010 applicants getting to the top now.This is a more controversial subject than I had anticipated. I've found many old posts about alleged scandal at Ascott.I know for certain that in other parts of London you can walk straight on to a plot. But I also know from first hand that allotments can be the source of bickering and even physical violence between plotholders.Perhaps I'll stick to window boxes.

Mark Vale ● 4406d

Not all the allotments are the same. The Northfields allotments is owned by the charity Pathways, and has recently become plotholder managed. It is currently allocating new plots to people who signed up in 2010 and has about 48 people on the waiting list - see http://ealingdean.co.uk/waiting-list

D Fox ● 4406d

the web address for the Ascott site ishttp://www.ealing.gov.uk/directory_record/252/ascottwhich includes the email address of the relevant Council deptallotments@ealing.gov.ukmichael adams...

Michael Adams ● 4407d

It depends on who you are. Some people get plots in a matter of weeks, others have to wait for four years officially. No one ever knows how many people are on the waiting list or their position on the list. Ealing's allotments are run by a small number of cliques and no political party dares to sort them out.

Peter Mcleod ● 4407d