The SWCAA (South West Counties Allotment Association) was founded in 2008. We were formed out of concern for the lack of allotment protection and provision across the UK.
Although based in Barnstaple in South West of England we cover the whole of the UK, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. We promote the benefits of allotments, gardening and growing your own no matter how small your outside space. We are a not for profit Community Interest Company run by gardeners for gardeners. We have our own allotments and are part of our own local associations so are very aware and understanding of all the problems that unfortunately surround allotment sites.
We have thousands of members across the country from individual plot holders to associations/societies and community groups of all types, we also work with local councils and private landowners. We hope to encourage good relations with the Councils and Private Landlords involved. Problems do arise; they range from banning the provision of huts, illegally banning chickens and rabbits, failure to allow water supplies, to the closure of allotment fields for development or a refusal to meet the obligations to provide them. Whatever the problem we are here to help.
We have helped many people to protect their existing allotment sites as well as helping to create new ones and we can provide you with a wealth of information, advice and guidance for all your allotment needs. We are the friendly, modern, voice for the allotment movement; we aspire to develop partnerships with like-minded organisations and to facilitate the working of good practice.
We offer a friendly, efficient service and we aim to be the first point of contact for all your allotment and gardening needs. Becoming a member of SWCAA is easy and can offer you the chance to make contact with other groups, clubs and Associations around the country, share advice and experiences and when problems arise have the peace of mind to know that help is just a phone call away.
SWCAA will:
Promote the benefits of Allotments and Gardening to the wider public
Represent Gardeners' interests; develop partnerships with like-minded Community Interest Companies and Organisations
Foster Community Spirit and provide a potential for peer support amongst allotment holders, which could help combat isolation for some members of the community who are alone.
We will facilitate the networking of good practice, promote and celebrate the enjoyment of growing and gardening for all
Promote the cultivation of all life in a forward thinking and constructive manner.
By joining together, we promote our right to cultivate. Under the benevolent 1908 Act, allotments provide us with healthier, tasty food, a satisfying and profitable hobby, fresh air and exercise. It is also a return to nature and creates friendship opportunities, therapeutic relief from stress and depression and best of all fresh food for yourself, your friends and the community. Allotments can also provide the chance to keep chickens and bees, room for a greenhouse or shed, a place to produce fruit and flowers, and make great friends. But remember these things cannot happen by themselves! Your support is vital!