Allotments

Allotments of some sort have been in existence since at least the middle ages where landowners bequeathed plots to be cultivated by poor countrymen. The enclosures of common land saw plots allotted to cottagers and labourers to compensate for the loss of common land usage. The two World Wars saw an increase in allotment cultivation as importing food became more difficult due to hostilities.

Allotments really evolved during the Second World War. The Ministry of Agriculture launched one month on from the outbreak of the war, one of the most memorable slogans of the whole conflict - "DIG FOR VICTORY"

From this point on, the whole of Britain were encouraged to transform their gardens into mini allotments. It was quite rightly believed that this would provide essential crops for families and neighbourhoods alike. Indeed, over just a few months Britain saw it's green and pleasant land transformed, with gardens and the public green spaces dug up for the planting of vegetables.


[South West Counties Allotment Association ]