A growing concern
The Dulwich Estate leases over 40 acres to community allotment associations. One of the largest is The Rosendale Allotments in Tulse Hill. It covers an impressive 18 acres, leased from The Dulwich Estate since 1908. Run by the Rosendale Allotments Association, the site is split into 480 plots, dotted with established fruit trees and characterful sheds. This lush haven is popular with young families, retired residents and everyone in between with a long waiting list. Karina Reed is the Association's lettings officer.
“These allotments benefit people from a huge range of backgrounds. It’s a very vibrant, interactive place to be.”
People come here for different reasons. Some people plant up every inch up and others also want somewhere they can sit in peace. You don’t get so much of that in London these days.
When people start they’re very keen – but we’re going for the long term! We invite new people to a talk by one of our older plot holders who will happily share their skills. It’s easier than trying to work it all out for yourself.
It’s a friendly crowd – people get talking and help each other out. And the longer you’re here, the more people you get to know.
There are amazing views from the top of the hill. We have communal wheelbarrows (including an electric one) which people borrow to shuttle things up there. Sometimes as people get older they’ll ask for a plot on the lower site – it’s a bit easier on their knees.
Community projects including Roots and Shoots have plots here. An older people’s group use the raised beds and schools come to learn about nature and where food comes from. We get them digging up potatoes and planting things. They love the bee hives and frog ponds.
Roots and Shoots helps young people build skills at Rosendale Allotments
The community building is a lovely space. We have yoga and mindfulness sessions and children can come and celebrate their birthdays here. Next door are the Stores, run by plot holders, for plot holders, where we provide supplies at a discounted rate.
Every September we have a barbecue and the children come to make juice with our apple press. It’s a friendly crowd – people get talking and help each other out. And the longer you’re here, the more people you get to know.
For more information about the Rosendale Allotments Association visit www.rosendale-allotments.org.uk.
