Allotments in Basildon Borough
Renting an allotment will enable you to grow your own vegetables, fruit and flowers and at the same time you will learn new skills and make new friends. There are seven allotment sites across the borough with a total of 513 plots. Basildon Council manages three of these sites and the other four are run by allotment associations. All of the sites are fenced and have a water supply. Plot sizes vary from site to site and within sites.
The soil throughout the borough is heavy London clay that is typically wet, heavy and waterlogged in winter and inclined to dry out quickly and go hard summer. Basildon's allotment holders overcome these extremes by improving the soil structure on their plots with plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure, leaf mould and/or compost. Deep digging can also improve drainage and air circulation. On plots where drainage is a particular issue, (or where an allotment holder has limited mobility and difficulty bending) the construction of raised planting beds is the best solution. Raised beds are also useful for growing crops such as herbs that require a free draining soil.
Allotment gardening is very popular at the moment and all the plots are currently taken. Plots may become available during the year and you can join a waiting list for one of the sites. Plots are offered to those on the list as they become available.
Basildon Council maintains a waiting list for plots at its Laindon, Vange and Wickford allotment sites for residents living in the borough only however, plots at the Laindon allotment site are restricted to residents of the three Laindon wards of Laindon Park, Langdon Hills and Lee Chapel North.
Please note: there is currently at least a 3 year wait for a plot at all of the borough allotment sites.
Applications for a plots on an association managed allotment sites are managed by each site's own allotment association. See below for contact details.
| Allotment | Number of plots | Wheelchair accessible? | More details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Road, Wickford | 104 | ||
| St James' Road, Vange | 32 | Yes | The site has raised beds and a pond. Maintenance assistance is welcomed, please contact Basildon MIND. |
| Victoria Park, Laindon | 40 | Yes | The site has two raised beds, accessible toilet and on site parking. Plots will only be available to residents of Laindon park, Langdon hills and Lee Chapel North. |
Rents and charges are reviewed annually and tenancies are renewed every April.
| Allotment | Charge per annum (OAP per annum) | Charge for key | Replacement key |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Road, Wickford | £70 (£35) | £5.30 | £5.30 |
| St James' Road, Vange | £70 (£35) | £5.30 | £5.30 |
| Victoria Park, Laindon | Small plot: £62.65 Medium plot: £93.85 Large plot: £125.15 | £10.30 (£5 will be refunded if keys are returned) | If one key is lost: £5.30 |
Allotment rents and charges on association managed allotment sites
Rents and charges on association managed allotment sites are set by each site's own allotment association.
| Allotment site | Number of plots | How to enquire |
|---|---|---|
| Holden Gardens, Fryerns | 59 | Email new.holden.gdns@outlook.com |
| Pendle Drive, Fryerns | 38 | Visit the site on a Saturday and speak to a committee member. |
| London Road, Bowers Gifford | 118 | Contact Technical Services - Allotments |
| London Road, Crays Hill | 120 | Please contact Peter on 01277 631379 - if necessary please leave a message giving name and contact details. Peter will always call you back to discuss availability. |
Basildon Council has produced an Allotment Holder's Handbook containing sections on:
Download your copy now, 
Basildon Council - Allotment Holders Handbook [2.74MB]
For further advice and information on all aspects of managing an allotment visit The National Allotment Society
