Kendal’s Allotments

Kendal has over 500 allotment plots over 17 sites throughout Kendal.

Kendal Town Council manages all the allotment plots in Kendal via Janine Holt, Council Services Officer and Pierre Labat, the Townscape Officer.

Both regularly visit sites to maintain them and support tenants.

Kendal Town Councillors oversee the management of Kendal’s allotments via the Allotments Committee.

Further reading newsletter 2023

Please direct all allotment enquiries to Janine Holt on 01539 793495 or via janine@kendaltowncouncil.gov.uk

Applying for an Allotment

Waiting list

Demand for allotments in Kendal is high. Each site has a waiting list of at least 18 months.

There is a longer wait for Castle Haggs and Castle Haggs Extension, Canal Head and Greenside. Greenside has the longest list and the turnover of plots is relatively low.  The waiting list currently stands  at 21 with an approximate wait of around 3-4 years for an allotment.   We are looking at splitting plots at popular sites when they become vacant.

Kendal allotment sites vary quite considerably in size, plots and layout. It is worthwhile spending some time visiting each site to decide which suits your needs before applying to be added to the waiting list.

There are a number of things to consider when deciding to take on an allotment plot:

• Geographical location of the allotment
• Accessibility of the allotment
• Time commitment required to maintain your plot to the required standard
• Personal circumstances
• Equipment required
• Cost
• Knowledge

The Council Services Officer will contact you and discuss personal requirements before they she allocate any plots. Make sure you provide an up to date contact number and email, we’ll usually try to contact you during office hours.

Allotments are currently priced at £0.41 per square metre and sizes vary. On allocation of a plot, you will be expected to pay a full year’s rent and a refundable (subject to conditions) deposit, equal to the annual rent.

All tenants must sign a tenancy agreement. This document is non negotiable, and sets out the conditions of your tenancy.

To apply for an allotment email your contact details to janine@kendaltowncouncil.gov.uk clearly stating which site you desire. You can see a location map of all Kendal Allotment Sites here.

Allotment Rent

The allotment rent is decided by Kendal Town Councillors each year in November.  Allotment rent received from tenants is used towards the cost of administration, Officer time, water bills, repairs and renewing of fencing and boundary walls, pest control and minor tree cutting. The current rent has been calculated at £0.41 per square metre.

Although you have a statutory right to keep hens on allotments, we discourage it on some sensitive sites (we specify rules on numbers and structures). Cockerels are no longer allowed on any sites.

Biodiversity

The Town Council encourages all allotmenteers to think about encouraging biodiversity via a  ‘More Veg – More Life’ project.

If you are an established allotment holder or are new to renting an allotment, here are a few areas in which you could make a difference:

• Enhance the soil by not walking on beds and aiming for ‘no dig’
• Minimal or no use of pesticides or slug pellets
• No artificial fertilisers
• Have at least one compost bin
• Use water butts for rain water collection
• Grow a variety of crops and include some flowers
• Use natural weed suppressants such as mulch or green manures
• Create habitats.

If you would like more information, please contact Kendal.growyourown@gmail.com