Allotments

On 29 September 2026 responsibility for the management of the three allotment sites (Fatherford Road, North Street and Castle Road) in Okehampton transferred to the Town Council. 

Enquiries about allotments should be sent to the Assistant Clerk, 01837 53179 or allotments@okehampton.gov.uk.

Frequently asked questions

    1.       Conduct –

The Council asks plot holders to treat one another and staff with courtesy and respect.

    2.       IBCs –

IBCs require Council permission and must be placed on a solid, non-wooden base, such as breeze blocks. The plot may only have Four plastic water butts to a maximum of 210 litres each, or one IBC container but not both. The Council must inspect the base before the IBC is filled, as a full container is extremely heavy. There can only be one IBC per plot, and it must be sited beside the shed to allow for filling from rainwater from the shed roof.

    3.       Keys –

From 22nd October, all keyed padlocks will be removed, and combination padlocks will be used. Please ensure you have the code. All keys need to be returned, and bank details provided to the OUC before December otherwise deposits will be considered a charitable donation.

    4.       Letters and emails addressed only to the first plot holder –

Our software addresses correspondence only to the first plot holder. We are exploring whether it can be changed to include both plot holders.

    5.       Waiting list –

We are contacting everyone on the waiting list to confirm that they still wish to remain on it and that their details are correct. As some confirmations were sent by post, responses are due by the end of October. Once the review is complete, we will begin re-letting plots. Priority will be given to people on the waiting list to help reduce it. Existing plot holders will be considered for additional plots once the waiting list is empty.

    6.       Legionella

Please ensure you have received the Legionella information sheet, as all plot holders must be familiar with this guidance. To see the information please click here

    7.       Tyres and carpet.

Tyres must not be used to weigh down items on allotment plots and must be removed from the site. Carpet may not be used as a weed suppressant and must be removed from the site.

    8.       Riverbanks

Riverbanks must be kept clear. Compost heaps must be at least one metre from the bank, and tools must not be stored against the river’s edge.

    9.       Plastic

We aim to reduce plastic use across the allotment sites. Plastic watering cans are permitted, but please avoid keeping large numbers of plastic containers.

Allotment Waiting list 

Please be aware that the average time necessary to maintain an allotment plot is around 8-12 hours a week during growing season, less so through winter months but we understand this is obviously quite a commitment. If you’re new to gardening we’d recommend helping at the community garden in Okehampton to learn some tips whilst on the waiting list. A new “veg school” is planned by others, for spring 2027 to help new gardeners so please keep an eye out for updates on social media. 

If you are interested in being on the waiting list please complete the form and return to allotments@okehampton.gov.uk