Bolton council has reopened the waiting list for Sapling Road Allotments.

Please note that we can not offer allotments directly as the council needs to sign you up first.
You can download the application form here or via Bolton council website.

In the past, the council sent an updated list twice a year (summer and winter). Whilst we would prefer they did this more often, at present this is how it stands. This means, you will not get a call from the allotment association right away after signing up.

As soon as the current vacant plots are taken, it may take a little longer to hear back from someone.

However, you can sign up to join our community allotment in the meantime (we will need some proof that you have applied to the council.) You will still be on the waiting list for an allotment of your own, but hopefully by then you will have much more of an idea if it’s the right choice for you.

Once the council pass on your details to the allotment society, someone will be in contact via telephone for you to come down and look at what’s on offer.

There is no obligation to take on an allotment if you are not 100% sure you can commit. There are other options if you have less time on your hands.

You need to go through a probationary period to show that you are willing to put the hard work in. This still applies if you have signed up to take on one of the more challenging plots. In this time you need to be actively working on your plot.

An allotment takes a lot of time and effort and can not be maintained with a couple of hours work per week. Your neighbours on the allotments will generally offer advice – it’s a good idea to listen! Youtube is full of good video advice as well. The allotment society has bought rolls of woven ground cover which will be sold to plot holders at a competitive price, saving you postage fees etc.

Weed control fabric from pound shops is a waste of money as it breaks up into microplastics in a matter of months. Cardboard is great, but make sure you use large pieces, with big overlaps.

We hope to add more information as we get the website up and running. If you are not sure what to do, feel free to contact us for some advise.

More info:

Bolton council Guidance for prospective Allotment Tenants
National allotment society – Information for allotment holders.
No dig gardening ( unfortunately this is for once you’ve gotten rid of the more challenging weeds and involves bringing in a lot of compost )