Allotments and Community Gardens in Jesmond

Allotment demand in Newcastle has surged since the pandemic, and the sites nearest to Jesmond are no exception. Waiting lists are long -- up to six years in some parts of the city -- but plots do come up, and there are community growing alternatives if you cannot wait. Here is the guide.

Allotment Sites Near Jesmond

Highbury South Allotments is the closest major site to Jesmond, on the edge of the Town Moor near West Jesmond Metro station. Founded in 1917, the site has over 100 plots plus communal orchards, social spaces, and a school garden. It is an award-winning association that is easily accessible by public transport. There is currently a waiting list -- email the association through their website to join.

Best for: Highbury South is one of Newcastle's most established allotment associations, founded in 1917 and still thriving with over 100 plots on the edge of the Town Moor.

Little Moor Allotments in High West Jesmond, near Ilford Road Metro station, is a welcoming community of gardeners from all walks of life. Plot rent includes access to water, manure, and wood chips, and there is an on-site shop where you can buy supplies and hire equipment.

Haldane Terrace Allotments in South Jesmond is a smaller site managed through the Newcastle Allotment Working Group.

All three sites are part of the Newcastle Allotment Working Group (NAWG) network. Newcastle has around 3,000 plots across 62 sites, and allotments transferred back from Urban Green Newcastle to Newcastle City Council direct management on 28 February 2025.

How to Apply

Submit an application at newcastleallotments.co.uk. You can apply to as many sites as you like and specify which ones you prefer. The relevant association will contact you when a plot becomes available.

Waiting times vary by site and are not published centrally. Newcastle councillors have revealed waiting lists of up to six years for the most popular sites. Expect months to years depending on the location.

Plot sizes: Most new tenants are offered a half plot (around 125 square metres). This is large enough to grow a wide range of vegetables, fruit, and herbs.

What People Grow

The usual suspects: potatoes, onions, garlic, brassicas, courgettes, runner beans, beetroot, carrots, tomatoes (in polytunnels or greenhouses), and soft fruit -- raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries. Some plots have fruit trees. Newcastle's urban heat island effect makes for surprisingly mild growing conditions.

Can't Get a Plot?

NHSN Seed and Plant Swap -- the Natural History Society of Northumbria runs a Seed and Plant Swap Social where participants swap vegetable seeds, garden plants, cuttings, and seedlings. Free to attend.

Newcastle Allotment and Garden Festival -- held at Exhibition Park (first staged September 2024, nearly 4,000 visitors). A growing annual event for gardeners across the city.

Jesmond Community Garden -- keep an eye on Jesmond Community Forum for community growing initiatives. The Forum acts as an umbrella organisation for Jesmond's many community groups.

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