I have had my allotment for 10 years. It is a cherished place where I grow food and herbs, spend time in nature, and teach my children about gardening, wildlife and practical skills. As I live in a flat with no garden, it is incredibly important to us.

 

Over the years, keeping the plot hasn’t always been easy. We originally lived over a mile away, had no car and had two young children, making the 45-minute uphill walk to the allotment a challenge. Three years ago, we moved to a flat just five minutes from the site, and I have since been able to dedicate much more time to the plot.

 

In 2024, I failed an inspection and was given another chance to keep my plot. Then, in April 2025, a close friend died suddenly, severely affecting my mental health. Shortly afterwards, I learned that my father had terminal cancer. I spent much of the summer travelling to Spain to support him, and he died in September. Understandably, my allotment slipped down my list of priorities during an exceptionally difficult year.

 

Due to confusing communication with the allotment office, I did not realise my tenancy had been terminated until March 2026. During the winter, I had continued working on the plot, installing five new beds, and it was looking better than ever.

 

Today, the allotment is fully cultivated and thriving, with a huge variety of plants, medicinal herbs and wildlife. We regularly eat vegetables, fruit and herbs grown there, and the plot has become a real sanctuary for me and my family.

 

I am simply asking the allotment office to allow me to keep a plot that I have cared for and developed for 10 years, particularly now that it is thriving and being fully cultivated.

 

**Please support my petition and ask the allotment office to allow me to keep my allotment.**

 

Many

thanks,

Rachel