🌱 Allotment Action Day: Help Bring Plots Back Into Use 🌱
A community “blitz” to reclaim neglected allotments in Bristol
Bristol has long waiting lists for allotments — yet many plots on existing sites are sitting unused. We’re trying a new, practical approach: bringing people together for a focused, volunteer work day to clear neglected plots and get them ready for new growers this season.
This is a pilot project, working with Bristol City Council and local allotment representatives, and your help will directly shape how this could be rolled out to other sites across Bristol.
What’s the plan?
We’re running a one-day clearing blitz at the Ashley Vale Allotments site on 7 March 2026. The site has has a number of overgrown and disused plots, and by working together quickly and with some positive energy we aim to:
- Clear up overgrown vegetation and build some dead-hedges
- Remove rubbish and debris
- Mark out plots ready to be re-let
- Create a real sense of momentum and shared achievement
Doing this all at once makes a huge difference: new plots appear together, new tenants start together, and the whole site benefits from the buzz.
Who can take part?
You don’t need to be an experienced gardener or an allotment holder. We’re looking for:
- People who enjoy practical outdoor work
- Community-minded volunteers happy to muck in and help others
Tasks will be organised into small groups, with experienced people on hand to guide where needed. No one will be left wondering what to do.
When & where
- 📅 Date: Saturday 7 March 2026
- ⏰ Time: All day from 10am
- 📍 Location: Ashley Vale Allotments – Map – What3Words: seats weedy drops
You’re welcome to stay all day or help for a few hours — it all counts.
What to bring
- Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Some warmth layers in case it’s cold
- Heavy duty boots or shoes with good grip
- Thick gardening gloves or gauntlets
- A bottle of water
- Waterproofs!
Tools, task briefings, safety guidance, and coordination will be provided.
And yes… there will be food 🍰
- ☕🍰 Tea, coffee, and CAKE breaks throughout the day
Why it matters
This isn’t just about clearing weeds. It’s about:
- Making better use of land we already have
- Helping reduce allotment waiting lists
- Strengthening local allotment communities
- Showing what’s possible when people work together
If the pilot works, it could become a model for other sites across Bristol.
Interested?
If you’d like to take part, sign up here:
Any questions?
If you have any questions or queries, please email Chris Neale (one of the site reps at Ashley Vale) at chris.ashley.vale.allotment@gmail.com.
Bring a friend, bring your energy, and help us give these allotments a fresh start 🌼