Gardening, growing and conservation

Allotments

There are 18 allotments in Southwark. Our local allotment sites are managed independently by voluntary organisations. The sites vary in size and most have a waiting list. If specific details aren't listed below, you can visit the site in person for more information.

If you live on one of our estates and want to create new food-growing plots, find out how the council can help.

The council is committed to creating more opportunities for community gardening and food growing and has launched an Allotment Expansion Guarantee.

Allotment Expansion Guarantee

If you're a tenant or leaseholder living in Southwark Council Housing and you’d like to create new food-growing plots on your estate, the council can support you. The Community Gardening Coordinators can support groups of residents who want to plan, build and run growing spaces on LBS land.

If you live in Southwark Council Housing (tenant, homeowner, resident) and are interested in creating a new community allotment, visit Commonplace, where you can tell us about your idea and where it can be located.

Alternatively, email communitygardening@southwark.gov.uk or call 0207 525 1251 leaving your details and you will be contacted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I set up a new food-growing space on my estate?

Community plots will be on Southwark Council housing land. You will need at least five interested residents to set up a new growing project and the group will need to commit to managing and maintaining the new growing space. The site will also need to be checked by the council to ensure that it is suitable for growing food. Visit Commonplace and complete the Expression of Interest form and the Community Gardening Coordinators will be in touch to check your site is suitable and guide your group through the steps needed to get a new food growing space set up.

How will the new community growing spaces work?

Layout and design will be defined by each group and by the specifics of the site. New growing spaces will be run by the group, which will be responsible for maintaining the site, allocating plots and supporting individual plot holders. Gardening groups will either be formally constituted or run as part of the TRA.

Are these formal allotments?

Southwark’s current allotments all have a specific planning status. The new sites to be set up under the Allotment Expansion Guarantee will be informal allotments regulated by the Housing department. The scheme is part of the Great Estates Programme.

How can I get a growing plot?

When a new community site is being developed, there will be consultation with local people and the opportunity to apply for a growing plot. The rental cost of plots will be decided by each group.

What do I do next?

Go to the Southwark Allotments page on Commonplace, fill out the Expression of Interest form and put a pin on the map to show us where you'd like to create a new allotment. Alternatively, email communitygardening@southwark.gov.uk or call 0207 525 1251 leaving your details and the Community Gardening Coordinators will be in touch to find out more about your space.  

I don't live on a Southwark housing estate, how can I get involved in food growing?

There are many local community food-growing projects in the borough, some of which are looking for volunteers or have training opportunities. Search for existing community gardens and allotments in Southwark.

Page last updated: 08 February 2024