Our Aims

The Barnet Federation’s overall aim is a strong and sustainable allotment movement in Barnet meeting the aspirations of all those use our allotments. 

Our practical job in seeking to achieve this aim is to represent, inform, support and encourage all the allotment societies and allotment holders in Barnet.

The Federation was formed in 1965 at the time of the amalgamation of the boroughs of Finchley and Hendon, and the urban districts of Barnet, East Barnet and Friern Barnet into the London Borough of Barnet. We hold at least nine meetings a year for site representatives to discuss current issues and an annual general meeting in February.

The Federation holds an annual plot and site competition in July together with a prize giving at Rathbone Allotments in October where cups and shields are awarded together with monetary prizes.

Federation members also assist in the arrangements for the Horticultural Section at the Friern Barnet Summer Show held annually in August in Friary Park N12.

Current news

Council proposals to increase allotment rents

Having backed down earlier in 2011 over rent increases from April 2012, Barnet Council has now proposed big increases in allotment rents from April 2013 for allotment sites which remain in Council management at that time. The proposals would see rent for a standard 10 pole plot (250 sq m) rise from £59 now to £140 for Barnet residents and £280 for non-residents. The 50% discount for older people would also be abolished giving them twice the rate of increase paid by younger people. A pensioner living outside Barnet now pays £29.50 for a plot and would have to pay £280 from April 2013, an almost 10-fold increase.

The Council has put the proposals out to public consultation until 14th February 2012, along with other fees and charges. You can find details of the consultation here: http://engage.barnet.gov.uk/environment-and-operations/epr_feesandcharges. These proposals are highly objectionable - much greater than any other increases in Council charges. Have your say and help us defeat them.

The proposed rent increases would apply to sites which remain in Council management. Talks have been going on between allotment representatives and Barnet Council about the terms of its 'self-management' initiative to hand over full responsibility for managing allotment sites to the allotment societies occupying them. Basic terms of the deal are now available though these may vary for different allotment societies. A key feature is that the societies would be able to set their own allotment rents though they would have to pay for repairs and maintenance. Further progress on the initiative is expected in 2012.