If you’re struggling to maintain your plot
If you can’t cultivate your plot temporarily (for example, due to illness), arrange for someone to look after it and tell the allotment office so your plot is not repossessed.
If you join the allotment association, they can give you advice and maybe offer help in various ways.
If your plot is 152 square metres or larger, you can give back half.
Rubbish and green waste
Bonfires are not allowed on any council allotment site, except around November 5, when allotment associations can apply to the Portsmouth City Council events department for permission to hold an annual bonfire in a safe communal area. This allows allotment holders to dispose of combustible material. Your allotment association can tell you if a bonfire is planned.
If you have rubbish to dispose of it is your responsibility to do so properly, at the recycling centre at Port Solent. Fly-tipping on allotment sites is extremely antisocial and illegal.
Compost your green waste. Many allotment associations have a shredder to help dispose of non-compostable green and woody material.
Sheds and green houses
You may erect a shed, a greenhouse, a compost bin and a cold frame on your plot without needing permission. Sheds and greenhouses should not have permanent foundations and should be a maximum 2.4m x 1.8m (8ft x 6ft), and no higher than 2.1m (7ft). Mark sheds with your plot number.
Contact us with your plans before you make arrangements or buy materials for any other structures (including polytunnels), because they all need permission from the allotments’ office.
Keeping animals
Animals are not permitted to be kept on allotment plots unless allowed under the Allotments Act 1950.
Beehives
You will see beehives on many council allotment sites, but these are on dedicated plots managed by Portsmouth and District Bee Keepers Association. No other hives are permitted.
Livestock
Chickens and rabbits may be considered, but written permission from the allotment office is required. Livestock is discouraged due to risks from predators and vermin.
Pet visits
Dogs are welcome at allotment sites with you, on a lead, and supervised at all times. Pick up any dog mess and dispose of it off site.
If your allotment was vandalised
If your allotment was vandalised or your shed was broken into, report it to the police by calling 101. It’s important to report every incident – this helps them target resources if there are repeated problems.
Also report any incident to your allotment association. Ask them to remind plot holders to lock gates to prevent vandalism.