Established in 1920, Littleover Lane Allotment Association in Derby covers 11.8 acres and currently has 172 allotment plots.
We have a number of long term plot holders, several of whom have been here since the Second World War. One member, who joined in the 1970s is now in her 90s.
The soil on site is generally heavy clay, which explains why the site was once a brick works in the last century! It can be challenging to work but is fertile and supports a huge range of produce. All kinds of vegetables, flowers, fruit trees and bushes can be found growing on the allotments; some plotholders specialise in growing rare heritage varieties, and we have others that have vineyards, grow exhibition quality dahlias and even cacti!
Facilities
- toilet block with electric lights, flushing toilets and disabled facilities
- hard surface avenues
- water and standpipes at regular intervals
- two designated parking areas
- deliveries of mushroom compost, manure, wood chippings and mulch
- wildlife area with pond and bog garden
- apiary plot
- communal greenhouse and composting areas (currently under development)
Over the past two years the communal wildlife area has been developed to include a large pond and bog garden to encourage wildlife to the site, and more recently a formal apiary (beekeeping) plot has been developed with several hives.
Visits, Events & Competitions
We regularly participate in the National Garden Scheme – gardens open for charity (a.k.a. the ‘Yellow Book’). The Association has taken an active part in the biennial Eco-Fest over the years and also enter the Derby in Bloom – Allotment competition annually, and more recently the ‘Littleover in Bloom’ competition. We have won over 26 prizes for the 1995 – 2010 period, including Best Site in 2006, and have also received prizes for plots, produce and sheds in ‘Kitchen Garden’ magazines competitions. We have held our own LLAA ‘show’ since 2009 in September on the same day as the open day; see the events page to see the most recent photographs.
Ownership & Management
The site is owned by the LLAA and is therefore a private (not Council run) site. Plot holders are known as members, and pay an annual rent for their plots. The LLAA is registered with the Financial Services Authority as a non profit organisation, and is also a member of the National Society of Allotments and Leisure Gardeners.