Who We Are
Barnet Allotment Federation is a network of 34 allotment societies, comprising 41 allotment sites across the London Borough of Barnet. Through the Federation, societies support each other, sharing expertise in good allotment management.
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What we do
The Federation promotes our strategic vision of a strong and sustainable allotment movement in Barnet. Through an elected committee the Federation coordinates the societies combined energies and expertise; sharing knowledge, skills and resources, providing advice, internal and external media communications and promoting best practice in allotment gardening.
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Our Website
Our website provides an information and resource service to our member societies. It also uniquely serves many visitors who are interested in allotment gardening and those seeking to apply for an allotment plot for the first time.
Join Us
Barnet Allotment Federation (BAF) constitutes 37 self-managed allotment societies comprising 41 allotment sites across the London Borough of Barnet. BAF supports the societies with best practice advice and initiatives in allotment management and horticulture.
We have available several volunteer committee roles to develop and continue the work of BAF in supporting our member societies.
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FAQs
What is the usual waiting time for an allotment plot?
The waiting time depends on many variables which means that there is not a specific time. Allotment sites have waiting lists as there is very high demand for plots. We suggest you apply using our online application form to contact your preferred site who will respond with specific information including details of their waiting list.
I am a plotholder and wish to make a complaint. How can I do this?
The Federation is unable to handle complaints from plotholders or other parties. In the first instance, any complaints should be raised with the allotment site management who should have available a complaints handling procedure. Request a copy and follow the documented guidance.
How much does it cost to rent an allotment plot?
Allotment sites fix their annual charges for plot rental and additional site services. There are no standard prices. Using our online application form to contact your preferred site who will respond with specific information including details of their annual charges.
What advice can you offer to a member society on how to deal with breaches of site regulations?
In the first instance the site committee should submit to BAF a formal request along with a brief report of the issue(s) and breaches in question.
Do allotment plots vary in size?
Yes, they do. There are now fewer of the historically very large size plots, as many people today are time challenged and prefer smaller plots, which are easier to manage whilst meeting site compliance regulations. By reducing plot sizes allotment sites have made and do make available more plots to meet rising demand.
Can you recommend any reading materials about allotment gardening?
There are many sources of information to help with allotment gardening. Conventional sources include a wide range of books plus monthly magazines and radio and tv programmes. The internet holds masses of free reference material including the websites of garden products suppliers such as seed merchants and plant growers.
What are typical allotment plot sizes?
Traditionally allotment plot sizes are measured in ‘poles’, a very old unit of measure. A ‘pole’ is 5.5×5.5 yards which is 30.25 sq yards or 25.3 sq metres. Here are a few examples of plot sizes, including conversions in all units of measure.
| Poles | Square Yards | Square Metres |
| 5 | 151.25 | 126.50 |
| 8 | 242.00 | 202.40 |
| 10 | 302.50 | 253.00 |
| 12 | 363.00 | 303.60 |
| 20 | 605.00 | 506.00 |
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