Allotments allow people to grow healthy produce, enjoy the fresh air, boost their health and wellbeing, and be part of their local community. The majority of the sites in Newcastle are sub-let and managed on a daily basis by Allotment Associations, who carry out a huge amount of work on behalf of their local site and reflect the passion and enthusiasm for local growing across the city.
Urban Green Newcastle carried out condition assessments across all sites to prioritise spending, inspected trees on sites, and introduced updated tenancy agreements. A biannual meeting for all sites was established in 2024, with a committee due to be set up to advise the Board of Trustees. This was deferred due to Newcastle City Council’s review.
New handbook
Urban Green Newcastle undertook a comprehensive review of the policies and procedures in place in partnership with the Newcastle Allotments Working Group and the numerous Allotment Associations. A new handbook, with updated tenancy agreements, was launched in 2024 following consultation with all sites, which helped clarify the relative roles and responsibilities of all the organisations involved.
Newcastle Allotment and Garden Festival
The annual Newcastle Allotment Show, which had been run for many years by Newcastle City Council, was continued by Urban Green Newcastle in 2019. Unfortunately, no physical shows could be held in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID 19 pandemic, although successful online events took place instead. A show had been planned for 2022, but was cancelled as a sign of respect following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Urban Green Newcastle hosted the show again in 2023, and by 2024 had expanded the event into a free family festival within Exhibition Park. As part of its ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainability, the charity not only celebrated allotments, but also promoted the wider benefits of gardening, growing local food, sustainability and wellbeing. Talks, events and activities were added to the festival line up, while the popular produce show saw winners selected from more diverse categories, including weirdest-shaped fruit or vegetable, tallest sunflower, and biggest pumpkin. Other award categories included best water management solution, most eco-friendly gardening or growing method, and best garden or allotment innovation. More than 4,000 people enjoyed the day, with the charity receiving rave reviews from the public.
“What an excellent festival! So much to see, do and listen to – for all ages! A real community event. We had a fantastic day – well done to Urban Green, can’t wait for the next one! 👏🌸”
Social Media User
“We went and had an amazing time! Joined in on the silent disco, checked out the incredible veg & fruits that won the competition (how impressive to get them that huge!) and enjoyed all the fantastic family activities. So many delicious food stalls to choose from, and we even picked up some high-quality honey. Thanks for putting on social a wonderful event for everyone! 👏❤️❤️❤️”
Social Media User
Allotment Plot Competition
This annual event recognises the very best talent across the allotment sites, offering individual plot holders – along with whole sites – the opportunity to be judged against a range of categories, including: Best Group or Community Plot, Best Organic Plot, Most Wildlife Friendly, and Most Improved Site. Every year, the judges – including Trustees, representatives from Newcastle Allotments Working Group, and community gardeners – applaud the expertise, inventiveness and passion of all the allotment holders.
Some comments from the judges…
“Truly a wonderland for a myriad of creatures made to feel naturally
drawn to this plot that’s tucked in the shaded corner of the site. The plot winds its way
between different habitats made for wildlife yet in between are very productive patches of
exceptional quality vegetables along with a polytunnel for Peter’s love of leek growing. This
plot is always trying out new ways to improve the haven, so we look forward to experiencing
the re-positioning of the pond next year.’’ – Most Wildlife Friendly
“Meticulous attention to detail always with production, pollination, and
aesthetics in mind striking a most wonderful balance, Jean is a self-taught talent who
practically lives and breathes this garden and her love for nature shines through, giving this
plot one of the highest scores to date.” – Best Full Plot
‘’The sheer people power behind this community garden is wonderfully
encouraging, with a dedicated staff team that help all sorts of groups to benefit from this
spacious food-farm-come-sensory playground. What has been created here caters to any
young person needing the healing of the outdoors and growing plants, and the lavender
biscuit factory is a sure way to teach the ‘welly to belly’ ethos.’’ – Best Community Plot
