The idea for an allotment site in Swavesey started with a working group. This included residents and members from the Parish Council to build on a site already owned by an allotment charity and leased to the Parish Council. The allotment took a year to establish and was fully up and running by 2012.

The allotment has 61 plots, mostly 125 sq. metres (22m X 5.7m) in area. Some plots are half-size and members are permitted to have sheds on their plot. Plot holders consist of individuals, couples, and families with members coming from all backgrounds and of all ages.

“Everyone has found that large quantities of high-quality vegetable, fruit and flower crops can be grown successfully with just a modicum of hard graft. The main thing is that all plot holders find that having an allotment plot and growing your own food is not only physically and mentally invigorating but also lots of fun!” – Swavesey Allotment Association Chair.

Originally the site was on a 10 year lease, now renewed to a 20 years. The total set up cost was £13,337 with grant funding for this being received from Awards for All (Lottery), Swavesey Parish Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge Press Relief and Cambridge Water. Further grants were received from Awards for All and Cambridge University RAG for additional items.

Allotment features

The Swavesey allotments include: 

• fencing to keep our deer and rabbit 
• pathways between plots, meaning there is no shared boundary line on a plot which reduces problems with overhanging vegetation
• a large car park with emergency vehicle access
• cycle racks 
• mains water supply with the permission of the water supplier and a local farmer assisting with mole-draining the water supply pipes throughout the site
• 8 water tanks, plumbed into the mains system, providing easy access to water for the use of the allotment members
• a waterless toilet funded by National Lottery Funding.

Plot Holders’ Allotment Association

Swavesey have set up a Plot Holders’ Allotment Association to manage the site and ensure good processes. This helps to build the community, bring in volunteers and helps with fundraising, and enforcing rules from the start.

Swavesey Allotment Association sets a sufficient level of annual rent to allow the allotments to be inclusive to all, and there are no additional costs for water, muck, or compost.

Building community links has led to local horse owners and farmers donating manure, and by building relationships with local tree surgeons, they have use of wood chippings for plot pathways.

The National Allotment Society (NSALG) were helpful to Swavesey with information and guidance when starting up, providing templates for tenancy agreements.