A History of Allotments in England

Dec 17, 2025

47:08

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Hello!

New episode is out now!

Why England and by extension all of UK is so allotment "obsessed" ? What does it all mean?

Firstly, what is an allotment? When did it all started?

As someone who moved in UK many years ago, seeing this lovely spaces in cities filled me with a sense of serenity, and an air of quaint old school happiness lets say, they evoked something romantic and from long lost era. Of course over the years I learned a lot about why these exist; what purpose and role fulfil in the society and the soul of the nation.

Who has one, who are they owned and maintained by, and crucially why people still insist having? What is the source of their popularity?

Importantly, can one person/family feed themselves with produce from an allotment? Is there any point on doing so?

Anyway I hope you'll enjoy my little potted allotment history here alongside with the interview with author and gardener Kathy Slack and nature conservationist, environmentalist and wildlife presenter Dr Sean McCormack!

Kathy's Substack and Insta:

https://kathyslack.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gluts_gluttony/

Sean's media:

https://drseanmccormack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thatvetsean/

Get his lovely children's book about rewilding

https://www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk/products/beaver-believerspos=1&sid=f9e160ecd&_ss=r

Links about allotments and London's city farms and gardens:

Calthorpe Community Garden:

https://www.calthorpecommunitygarden.org.uk/about-us

Sitopia Farm