Charity buys land from farmers and landowners to tackle UK allotment shortage
16th November 2025
A national charity, Green Allotments, has been purchasing land and creating new, community-run allotment sites on small areas of agricultural land.
The non-profit organisation has bought land and is currently setting up a new allotment site on the edge of Morpeth, in Northumberland, which will be the first of a number planned nationwide.
A spokesperson for Green Allotments explained that the charity aims to make it easier for local people to grow their own food and build stronger communities. The organisation has a team of specialists experienced in allotment management, land purchase and ownership.
“Allotments bring so many benefits – they improve both physical and mental health, help people learn about food and nature, and bring together people of all ages.
“These become vibrant outdoor spaces where communities grow food, friendships and resilience side-by-side,” said Dr Deborah Burn of Green Allotments.
Community-managed site
Several Morpeth residents have jumped at the invitation to become the starter group for the new allotments and, with the charity’s help, will go on to manage the new site.
Green Allotments’ objective is for each site to be community-managed by the allotment gardeners, who steward the site and act as guardians of the land. Each site will pay only a peppercorn rent to the charity to ensure allotments for all.
“We have also received numerous enquiries from people who want to rent a plot at Morpeth when the site opens, proving there is demand for this type of allotment site,” Ms Burn added.
The trustees are now appealing to farmers, landowners and local authorities to help identify suitable small parcels of land — typically one to two acres — that could host new allotment sites.
“We already have funding in place to pay a fair price for land,” chair of trustees, Angus Hanton, concluded.
Green Allotments believes these partnerships can help rural and urban communities alike — bringing people closer to food, nature and one another.
To discuss potential sites, contact Deborah Burn on 07471 938008 or email info@greenallotments.org.uk. For more information visit Green Allotments website.
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