Wellesbourne Allotments

About Wellesbourne Allotments

The Wellesbourne Allotments site is owned by Coventry Diocese and is one of the oldest in the country. It has been providing fresh food for the village residents (plot holders and their families, relatives, friends and neighbours) since 1838. We have extremely fertile soil built up over this long period which has enabled the remarkable productivity still witnessed today in the range of vegetable crops, fruits and flowers grown by our dedicated plot holders. Look out for a plaque at the entrance to Wellesbourne Allotments which celebrates this proud history.

The allotment site has a rich and proud history dating from the 1734 Enclosure Act. In the 19th century a growing demand by destitute peasant farm labourers needing land to provide food for their families eventually led to the provision of allotment gardens across the country. In many ways Wellesbourne is at the heart of the allotment movement because of Joseph Arch, a farm worker who rose to become an MP, and who campaigned throughout his life for the provision of allotments for the working poor. At our Open Day visitors will be able to follow the Joseph Arch story made famous by his walk from the nearby village of Barford to Wellesbourne on a cold February night in 1872 to address a large crowd of farm labourers in Chestnut Square. The origins of the first Agricultural Labourers Union began that night and Joseph was a tireless advocate of allotments. A plaque dedicated to Joseph Arch can be seen in the bus stop in Chestnut Square.

Allotments still have an important role in growing wholesome fresh food, but they have also evolved to play key roles in local communities. Wellesbourne Allotments has been officially designated an Asset of Community Value (ACV). This status recognises the contribution Wellesbourne Allotments make to the local and wider community including fund raising for local and national charities at Open Days and Street Fayres, school gardening club, improvements in local amenities etc.

More than just producing food. The benefits that allotments provide for mental and physical wellbeing have been brought into sharp focus by Covid-19. It is well recognised allotments promote gardening in a suitable and safe place encouraging a healthy lifestyle in the fresh air and exercise, together with social and community aspects. Lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic has reinvigorated interest in gardening across the country and our allotments are no exception. People of all ages benefit, ranging from the young learning about growing food to the elderly who might otherwise be confined to indoor activities.

Dementia is of increasing concern in an ageing population and local social and medical services are interested in the role allotments can play in this important health issue. Wellesbourne Parish Council is aiming to acquire Dementia-friendly village status. Together with OSCARS (Over 60’s Community & Recreation Scheme) and with the help of funding from Warwickshire County Council and the Parish Council, we have designed and landscaped one of our plots suitable for the use of people living with dementia and their carers.

Wellesbourne Allotments has featured in several BBC programmes including:
• BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire – several live interviews onsite and in the Coventry studio (2011-2019)
• BBC Radio4 Gardeners Question Time – hosted by Wellesbourne Allotment Association (2015)
• BBC2 – Monty Don’s Big Dreams Small Spaces episode (2017)
• BBC1 Countryfile celebrating the life of Joseph Arch featuring interviews by Matt Baker with historian Dr Jeremy Burchardt at Chestnut Square, Wellesbourne, on site with plot holder Ken Manning, on the Dementia-friendly plot with Heather Brown (OSCARS), and at Walton where a re-enactment of Joseph Arch speaking to a crowd of angry agricultural labourers was held (August 2019).

Save Our Allotments! The future of Wellesbourne Allotments is uncertain, as the site is under threat of housing development. As proud guardians of this precious land our plot holders are naturally concerned about the future. Please come along to our Open Day and show your support for this important community asset.

There will be a trail for visitors to follow through the site with its amazing plots full of vegetables, fruits and flowers. With delicious teas, musical entertainment, plant and produce stalls and other attractions your visit will be a memorable one!

See our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/393047487396765.

A large, lush and lovely rural site growing a huge range of crops. Meet enthusiastic gardeners and sample delicious homemade teas. Plants and produce for sale, scarecrows, children's activities, a landscaped Dementia-friendly plot, music, refreshments.