The National Allotment Society is calling on all allotmenteers to help secure the future of allotments. They are calling for support for Amendment 4 to Clause 47 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which would require councils to include a clear policy for allotment and community garden land in their spatial development strategies. This simple amendment will help protect and create these vital spaces.

“Without action, we could risk losing these valuable green spaces forever. Supporting this amendment will help safeguard allotments for future generations, promote healthier lifestyles, and strengthen communities.”

Please lend your support by contacting your MP and asking them to support Amendment 4 to Clause 47. You can download the letter the National Allotment Society have prepared and send it to your local MP to show your support and protect our allotments for the future.

We’re pleased to share details of some available allotments in Rufforth. There are currently 8 full plots available, with the potential to split two of the plots into half plots. Each full plot is 25M x 6M, with half plots 12.5M x 6M.

The rent for full plots is £35. A first year deposit of £35 is also required, which is returnable if the plot holder leaves and hands back the plot in good condition. Half plots are £18 + £18 deposit.

Sheds are not allowed but there is a large metal communal shed with individual tool hanging space for plot holders. This is a very high security shed with a police approved locking system, Anyone wishing to use it can rent a key, this is returnable if a plot holder leaves. 

For more information, please contact Rufforth allotment Site Secretary, Graham Mathers on 01904 738128 or rufforthallotments@gmail.com

The YACIO best plot competition is back! We want to celebrate the diversity of York’s allotment sites and the dedication of allotment gardeners, so please do enter your plot for recognition of your efforts.

Categories

There are two categories of plots:

1. New tenants: for gardeners who took on their plot in, or since, January 2024
2. Established tenants: for gardeners who took on their plot before January 2024

To enter your plot click here.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) housing measures for poultry & captive birds in England will be lifted from 00:01 on 15 May. If you intend to allow your birds outside after 15 May, take action now to prepare outside areas. As birds may have been housed for several months, there will be a 7 day transition period from 00:01 on 15 May until 00:01 on 22 May 2025 during which, where necessary, previously housed birds must be released gradually to minimise welfare issues. Keepers with any welfare concerns about their birds should speak to their vet. We would like to thank all bird keepers for playing their part in managing this disease. See GOV.UK for info: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-prevention-zone-housing-measures-lifted. The AIPZ mandating biosecurity measures will remain in place across GB: www.gov.uk/bird-flu.

As of Monday 27th January, York is in the new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).

This means that all allotment holders who keep birds must keep them housed to protect them from bird flu. Please follow the guidance here to make sure you are complying with the housing and biosecurity measures to keep your birds safe and prevent further outbreaks.

In order to celebrate the diversity of York’s allotment sites and the dedication of allotment gardeners, in 2023 YACIO launched an allotment best plot competition. Following last year’s success, we are running the competition again in 2024.

Categories

There are two categories of plots:

1. New tenants: for gardeners who took on their plot in, or since, January 2023
2. Established tenants: for gardeners who took on their plot before January 2023

For more information and to enter your plot click here.

We’re contacting all allotment holders about the changes to rents and concessions that’ll be coming into effect from 2024. In case you’ve missed this communication, here’s a summary of changes.

There have been no changes to rents since YACIO took over running the allotments from the Council in 2017. It had hoped to avoid an increase for 2024. Unfortunately, due to the high rate of inflation, YACIO’s costs have risen, for example we are paying substantially more for grass and hedge cutting. As a result, so that we can continue to maintain the allotments there will be a small overall increase in rents for all tenants from next year. The new rates for 2024 will be (current rent in brackets): quarter plots £25 (£24); half plots £50 (£48); full plots £100 (£96); extra large plots £135 (£130).

In addition, there will also be some changes to concessionary rents. At present a concessionary rent providing a 40% discount is available to those in receipt of state pension or universal credit, those registered as disabled and full time students. As from 2024 these concessions will no longer apply. Instead an increased concessionary rate of 50% will be introduced and be available to any tenant in receipt of a means tested benefit. This does however mean that those in receipt of state pension will no longer be automatically entitled to a concession unless receiving a means tested benefit.

Trustees have thought long and hard about these changes. Although it is appreciated that some tenants will pay more as a result of the concession alterations, we believe the adjustments are fair and will help make allotments more affordable for many people. It also helps YACIO ensure it can continue to maintain and develop the allotments for the benefit of all tenants. The changes were also discussed at the Annual General Meeting and endorsed by the majority of members (tenants) present.

We would also like to emphasise that any tenant who feels they are genuinely going to struggle to pay their rental fees (whether or not they are in receipt of a benefit), can apply for a concession, in complete confidentiality, by contacting YACIO. We do not want any tenant to give up their plot because they can’t afford it.

It is over 10 years since City of York Council held a Best Kept Plot Competition for allotment tenants. To celebrate the diversity of York’s allotment sites and the dedication of allotment gardeners, we are launching a new allotment competition this year.

Categories

There will be two categories of plots:

1. New tenants: for gardeners who took on their plot since January 2022
2. Established tenants: for gardeners who took on their plot before January 2022

For more information and to enter your plot click here.

YACIO has been approached by a student from York University with a view to plot holders taking part in a survey, which is part of his dissertation work.

Harry Matthew Partridge is a 3rd year student studying BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology. His research is on Allotment holder perceptions of nature-provisioning features on allotment sites: barriers and opportunities.

Further details about his research and the survey can be found on the link below.

https://york.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3sLHk8xrR9wNtrw

Prize Draw – Plot Holders who complete the survey will have an option, at the end, to submit their email address and enter in a prize draw, for £50 gardening supplies from a local garden centre/nursery.

If you wish to help this young man in his studies please complete the survey as soon as possible but no later than mid-Feb.

Thank you.