[daisy1990]

There are so many posts on here from folks desparate for an allotment/ bit of land to garden.  There are also thousands of old folk who desparately want to stay in theri own homes but cant manage their gardens.  Wouldn't it be great if one of the charities could put the two groups together-anyone know any of the top brass at Age Concern?

[sunshineband]

There are actually quite a lot of schemes around like this.

Here is an article about some:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10594814

[daisy1990]

thanks for posting the link- pity there isn't a national scheme as it obviously can work!

[Dotty]

How funny you made this post! Only today i was looking at Apps for my iphone and came across one started by the guy from the TV show River Cottage. Its called landshare.
When i joined up i go access to the most marvellous recource for just what you are looking for.
You put in your postcide and other personal details and it brings up lists of people wanting to share land near you. I replied to one advert thinking it was a real shot in the dark seeing as it was listed months ago, but low and behold i got an email tonight saying they are interested in me!! A 30ft x 20ft allotment at the back of her father in laws house that he is now too frail to cope with and she hates gardening! I am really keeping my fingers crossed as it has water supply, greenhouse and a huge compost heap that the old guy had all set up before he got ill a year ago.

[Dotty]

Here is the website connected with the iphone app  http://www.landshare.net/

[daisy1990]

how exciting Dotty sounds perfect!

[GrannieAnnie]

My friend joined Landshare as she doesn't really like gardening, well not on the scale of her garden!

she waited months with no offers, then a lady turned up.  Took over the garden as she said her 2 allotments aren't enough to keep her busy.    She's 80 if she's a day!!!  She does up to 4 hours most days and the garden is transformed!  she even sorted out the shed and greenhouse!.

[shokkyy]

My friend joined Landshare as she doesn't really like gardening, well not on the scale of her garden!

she waited months with no offers, then a lady turned up.  Took over the garden as she said her 2 allotments aren't enough to keep her busy.    She's 80 if she's a day!!!  She does up to 4 hours most days and the garden is transformed!  she even sorted out the shed and greenhouse!.

God, send her to my house

[GrannieAnnie]

As long as she stops here on the way down to you! 

[tosca100]

I joined landshare to try to find something close to us, but the nearest is six miles away, which is a bit far, will keep my eyes peeled for closer. I think I would only use a garden that was not close to the house, after years of my Dad watching me doing his garden when he was ill and always doing it wrong in his eyes, I think I'd get cross if anyone started criticising what I was doing. Spare land other than a garden would be better for us.
I'd say give it a whirl if you are looking, I was surprised how much is out there.

[sunshineband]

Good to hear it is actually working for real people 

Brilliant 

[peterjf]

every council has a duty to supply allotments for growing , as long as there is a need , contact your local council

22 allotment sites in hull area , there is more then 1000 people waiting for a plot in the hull area ,

[shokkyy]

I note the Wyevale garden centres have started a plot to rent scheme. They're quite expensive but seem to be very well equipped with lots of help and advice available.

[mumofstig]

but seem to be very well equipped with lots of help and advice available.

and so they should be at those prices, and the plots are small!

[Dotty]

every council has a duty to supply allotments for growing , as long as there is a need , contact your local council

22 allotment sites in hull area , there is more then 1000 people waiting for a plot in the hull area ,

Yes, it says this on the Landshare website but our council does not have one single allotment site.
I'm not sure how you would go about enforcing the right to have allotments. I am sure they will find some loophole to stop it