A letter to the editor of my local newspaper, the Sheffield Telegraph, caught my eye recently. Julian Ainsley, from the Hangingwater Allotment Association, wrote to complain of a huge increase in allotment rents being proposed for 2014-15 (‘Allotment rents set for huge increases’, 7 March 2013). This counter-productive, socially and environmentally damaging measure is part of a much wider trend, resulting from the current recession and associated budget cuts.
According to Mr Ainsley, a pensioner currently paying £26.30 for their allotment would be expected to pay £120 in April 2014 if current Council proposals are implemented – on top of a near-doubling of rents in April 2013. Mr Ainsley highlighted the benefits of allotment gardening in terms of physical and mental health, arguing that the extra rental income would have to be offset against the cost of increased social isolation and vulnerability to illness. And then there are the environmental and amenity benefits which Mr Ainsley described in terms of allotment holders’ unsung contribution as guardians of Sheffield’s proud heritage of allotment gardens and open green spaces. For allotment holders are often responsible for restoring derelict land, their labour sometimes taking several years to reap a reward in terms of harvested food.
At a time when major supermarkets have lost control of their supply chains, what price should be put on the provision of nutritious food of certain provenance, and how should we value the intangible benefits of allotments to health, environment and society?
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
