Allotments in Sunderland: How to Get a Plot

Allotments have long been part of life on Wearside, with plots tucked between terraces, railway lines and the river as well as on the edges of Washington and the former pit villages. If you fancy growing your own, Sunderland has a large network of sites, but demand is high and getting a plot can take patience. This guide explains how the system works, who runs the sites and how to put your name down.

How many allotment sites are there?

Sunderland City Council says it operates 89 allotment sites across the city. Of these, 75 are managed directly by the council and 14 are run by allotment associations on the council's behalf. On top of that there are a number of privately owned sites, which have their own rules and their own waiting lists; for those, the council's advice is to contact the site directly.

The sites are spread right across the city, from the riverside and the coast in the north to Washington, Houghton-le-Spring, Hetton-le-Hole and Easington Lane in the south and west. The council groups its sites by area when it publishes its site list and application forms.

Some of the sites

The council's published list for Sunderland North, for example, includes Cornhill Dock, Downhill, Riverside, Roker Sidings and Thompson Road, in the Southwick and Fulwell area. Among the association-run sites, the list shows High Southwick in the north of the city, and Barmston and Shepherd Way (Fatfield) in Washington.

Association-run sites are still council land, but day-to-day matters such as letting plots, collecting rent and keeping the site tidy are handled by a committee of plot holders. They often have their own trading huts, shows and work days, and joining one is a good way to meet other growers.

Best for: Suits anyone prepared to wait for the right site rather than take the first plot offered: check the council's full site list before choosing.

Who can apply

According to the council, allotment gardens are open to any resident of Sunderland, and to people who live within one mile of the city council's boundary. You do not need any experience, although it helps to be realistic about the time a full plot takes, particularly from spring to early autumn.

How the waiting list works

All council plots are let through a waiting list on a first come, first served basis. You choose the site or sites you would like and join the list for them; the council allows you to apply for up to two sites. There are separate application forms by area, including Houghton, Hetton and Easington Lane, Sunderland East, Sunderland North and Sunderland West, all linked from the council's Apply for an Allotment page. The council will contact you when a plot comes up, and it also offers a waiting-list enquiry form if you want to check your position.

Because each site has its own list, waiting times vary between sites, and being flexible about location can widen your chances of an offer. The council does not publish a single citywide waiting time.

Rent and rules

Plot rents are set by the council and reviewed from time to time; they have risen in recent years. Check the council's current rent on its allotments pages rather than relying on older figures quoted online. Tenancies come with rules on keeping the plot cultivated, structures such as sheds and greenhouses, bonfires, water use and keeping animals, and these differ between council sites, association sites and private ones. Read your tenancy agreement carefully before you start building or clearing.

Making a start

A few general pointers for new plot holders, wherever you end up:

• Clear in stages. An overgrown plot is daunting. Cover part of it with sheeting or cardboard to suppress weeds while you work on a smaller bed.
• Plan for the North East climate. Coastal sites catch the wind and spring can arrive late, so hardy crops such as potatoes, onions, brassicas, broad beans and leeks are reliable starters, with tender plants waiting until frosts have passed.
• Talk to your neighbours. Experienced plot holders know the site's soil, its frost pockets and which varieties do well, and many are happy to share spare seedlings.
• Use national advice. The National Allotment Society and the RHS both publish free growing guidance for beginners.

While you wait

A waiting list can run for a long time, so it is worth growing something in the meantime. Containers on a yard or balcony will happily produce salad, herbs, tomatoes and strawberries. Sunderland's parks and green spaces also host volunteer groups and growing projects from time to time; our parks and green spaces guide and volunteer groups guide are good places to start looking for an outdoor project close to home.

Run an allotment association in Sunderland, or spotted something out of date? Get in touch.