For more than 100 years, Greystoke Community Allotments have been part of village life. Today, however, more than 20 families and individuals are preparing to leave the site after being served notice to vacate by 18 August 2026. This page explains the current situation, celebrates the history of the allotments and the people who have cared for them, and provides information about the forthcoming Open Day.
More than a century of community growing
The allotments were established shortly after the First World War when the Howard Family of Greystoke Castle invited local residents to transform pasture into allotments so families could grow their own food during a time of national recovery.
Over a century later, the allotments remain an active and productive community space. Local families, individuals and Greystoke Primary School continue to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers, while the site provides valuable habitat for wildlife and a place where people share knowledge, produce and friendship.
Demand for allotments remains strong, with a significant waiting list for plots.
Greystoke Community Allotments Open Day
Saturday 8 August 2026
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Greystoke Community Allotments Open Day
Everyone is welcome to visit the allotments, meet the plot holders and discover more than 100 years of community growing in Greystoke.
Free entry. Pimms and produce for sale, raising funds for the local food bank.
The current situation
Earlier this year, allotment holders were served notice requiring them to vacate and clear the site by 18 August 2026.
The allotment land forms part of an undetermined planning application for 43 homes on land between Icold Road and Church Road. The allotment site provides the proposed access to the wider development area, and four houses are also proposed on the allotment land itself.
Despite repeated requests for a short extension to allow later seasonal crops to be harvested, no extension has been granted.
The allotments have recently been designated an Asset of Community Value in recognition of their importance to the village, and the Greystoke Allotments group is now a member of the National Allotment Society.
The allotments today
A collection of photographs showing the allotments through the 2026 growing season.
