The Second World War
Once again Britain was blockaded and food shortages were normal. The pressure was greater than of the first world war even public parks were pressed into use for food production. The famous “Dig For Victory Campaign” educated the general public to produce there own food & save shipping needed for war Materials. Food rationing kept up the demand for allotments & home grown food.
The Allotment Act 1950
The result of demands for more & more building land saw the re-establishment of the Allotments Advisory Body which in 1949 recommended a scale of provision of 4 acres per 1,000 head of population. This resulted in the allotment act of 1950.
Current Situation
By 1996 it was stated there were around 297,000 plots vacant and, although definite figures do not appear available there has again been an upsurge in interest of growing food crops. Concerns about genetic modification of foodstuffs, chemical pollution & contamination of our food & the desire for the ultimate in freshness, has seen empty plots filled & waiting lists appear for sites that had previously had high vacancy rates.
Blog & research by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)
Photos enhanced by Mick Cooper (Plot 12 E )
