Eden Allotment Gardens Advice and Information

Eden Allotment GardensHow much will it cost?: Allotment plots come in a variety of sizes to suit all requirements. Rental costs for an allotment are very modest and based on the size of the plot. An average plot works out at less than £1 a week. Concessions are available for those who are in receipt of a state pension, unemployed, registered disabled, or a student on a grant. The tenancy year starts on 1st April and ends on 31st March each year. The April 2009 to March 2010 prices are:

Full Size Plot (160m2): £50 per year
Half size plot (80m2): £35 per year
Quarter size plot (40m2): £35 per year

DISCOUNTS*
Concession** £10.00 (off ¼ & ½ Plot)
Leisure Centre / Bentra Membership Holders £10.00 (or £5.00 off ¼ & ½ Plot)
* only one discount may be used per application. Discounts cannot be claimed retrospectively.
** if in receipt of a state pension, unemployed, registered disabled, or a student on a grant.

Please Note: Allotments at Eden Allotment Gardens are only available to Carrickfergus Borough residents. Before completing the online application form please read the Tenancy Agreement for Eden Allotment Gardens (PDF Version).

How do I rent an allotment?: To rent an allotment please complete our online application. When you are offered a plot you will be required to sign a simple tenancy agreement, which sets out your rights and responsibilities. You will be expected to keep your plot cultivated and tidy. Before you take on a plot, why not visit the Eden Allotment Gardens, plot-holders will be around to help with advice or answer any questions you may have.

I have just got my new allotment, what next? Our 'New Plotholders Guide' is full of useful information - download here.

I would like to put up a shed?: You must apply to put up any structure as restrictions are in operation. To apply download our application.

I would like to put up a fence or screen?: You must apply to put up any fence or screen as restrictions are in operation. A fence or screen should be no more than 50cm in height and covers no more than 1/3 of the perimeter of the plot. Fencing should: blend into the landscape; be erected for a gardening purpose; and be made of natural materials. The plotholder shall maintain and keep in good repair any fences, screens, gates etc on their plot. The fence must not lean onto or occupy the common footpath. The plotholder shall cut the grass on the partition strips between the common footpath and any fence.

Temporary fencing for climbing seasonal vegetables etc is permitted without requiring permission from Council but if used around the perimeter of the plot should cover no more than 1/3 of the perimeter.

To apply download our application.

Can I transfer my Allotment plot to a friend or relative?: You must formally terminate from your plot before it can be offered out to anyone else. Interested parties must formally apply. However we have waiting lists and the person at the top of this list will be given first refusal on the plot.

Giving up your allotment?: If you want to give up your allotment, please complete the online cancellation form and this will cancel your tenancy agreement with us. If you become ill and cannot look after your allotment, please contact us to discuss ways of managing your allotment until you can garden again.

I have lost my allotment gate keys, what do I do?: Additional keys may be purchased from the Civic Centre at Antrim Street for £5.00. Please note identification and proof of allotment tenancy will be required.

I want to garden organically?: Although the Council would like all allotment holders to garden organically we only require allotment holders in Field D to do so. See our section on organic gardening.

There is a tap or fence damaged on the allotments, who do I tell?: Contact the Parks & Countryside office directly (t: 02893358039) with details of the damage/fault and its location and we will arrange for repairs to be undertaken.

Flooding Advice: Drainage problems can occur due to heavy rain and soil compaction. Good soil structure is always the goal and double-digging will assist that process, particularly on newly cultivated land. See advice on doulde digging. In addition, allotment holders should not drive their cars on the grass which is causing severe surface compaction. A 'no driving on grass' sign has been in place since last year. Fields B, C & D have significant vehicle damage already. See Environment Agency advice on Flooding in Gardens (PDF Version).

I would like a compost bin for my allotment? The Council is offering allotment holders the opportunity to purchase a compost bin. Telephone 93351192 for further information.

I would like to save water? See leaflet on water conservation at Eden Allotment Gardens (PDF Version).

Safety and Security: Eden Allotments is generally a safe and secure place but you may spot hazards that need attention. If you spot anything obviously unsafe, such as hypodermic syringes or anything you feel may be hazardous, such as asbestos or rats, please note where it was and contact us. Please make sure you don't make the allotments more hazardous yourself. Never pour garden pesticides into old bottles. Make sure that garden pesticides are safely locked away when not in use. If you use petrol driven tools, only keep a small quantity of fuel at your plot and again make sure it's locked away. Allotments can never be fully secure. Keeping sites tidy and attractive is one of the best ways of deterring anti-social activity, theft and vandalism. You can help too if possible, keep valuable equipment at home. If you only keep a few old hand tools on your plot, you may not need a secure shed. If you decide to lock your shed, use a strong padlock and keep the shed in good repair if you experience theft or vandalism report this to Carrickfergus Police Station on 0845 600 8000. They may not be able to do much about your loss, but the information you give will help them track local problems and plan future policing.

The Eden Allotment Watch scheme covers the Eden Allotment Gardens area and works in partnership with:

Our allotment watch co-ordinator is Ian Keatley at D21(a). See information on Allotment Watch.