Member Feature

Rosendale Allotments Association

Established in 1908, Rosendale Allotments is an 18-acre site on Knight’s Hill, between Herne Hill and Tulse Hill, in South London. The site contains a massive 480 plots and the allotment community reflects the rich ethnic and cultural diversity of South London. Activities are overseen by the Rosendale Allotment Association, formed of allotment holders and constituted as an Industrial and Provident Society.

The association has funding from the Big Lottery’s Local Food Fund, which is being used to create a community outreach and education programme. The money will also replace the existing dilapidated buildings on site with purpose-designed and sustainably-constructed buildings, which will serve as a store, allotment office and a centre for all their education and community activities.

The grant has allowed the association to take on three new staff to take forward the environment and education programme. They will work with volunteers to run food-growing workshops, expand the number of community plots available, help beginner plot-holders become successful, and run community activities and events. An outreach officer will work with local housing estates and community organisations to establish more spaces in the community for food growing and provide information and advice.

www.rosendale-allotments.org.uk