A ‘Potted History’

Watnall Allotments are located on the main road, opposite Stannier Way and next door to the Weather Station. The allotments are not Council controlled and they are on private land, currently owned by MI & EG Scott-Dalgleash.

The administration of the tenancy is between the committee and Shouler & Son of Melton Mowbray.

The earliest record of allotments at Watnall was 1844 and they were known as Cottage Gardens and the land was owned by the Right Honorable Lord Melbourne.

The rent payable to the owner is renewed and agreed every three years when the tenancy agreement is updated and signed.

A committee is elected annually by the members at the AGM. The committee members administer the affairs of the Association. A minimum of six members of the committee is needed. The committee arrange shows, resolve problems and represent the association. A list of the current committee members is available here.

The Association has used the Royal Oak Inn as its base for Committee meetings, annual show and AGM for as long as anyone can remember. It has been a tradition that the licensee at the Royal Oak is asked to be President of the Association.

The Association raises its own funds through Allotment rents, subscriptions, trading and other efforts. We have also been supported on a regular basis by Greasley Parish Council and Councillor Phillip Owen made a contribution to the new main gate. We are always seeking new sponsorship.

A standard allotment plot is approx. 280 square yards which allows for a single central pathway between each pair of allotments. The size of some allotments have changed over the years, caused by the provision of car parking, main road widening, and some members creating extra pathways and moving fences. There are a few half sized plots which are normally created when a member is unable to continue to maintain a full plot.

Winners of the allotment and show awards are presented with trophies at the show which are kept for a year. They will then be presented with a smaller award at the AGM, which can be kept forever.

The association has public liability insurance. We are an affiliate member of the Allotments & Gardens Council UK, Trading as Nottingham & District Allotment Council. This allows us to purchase seeds from Dobies at cut prices.