So - you have made up your mind! You have decided that you would like to be an allotmenteer. So how do you make it happen?

Here in the UK the vast majority of allotment sites are managed by the local authorities, although an increasing number of sites are becoming self managed, so start off by getting in touch with the local council. If they are not managing the allotment sites - they will put you in touch with the local allotment association.

More often than not - depending on what site you chose to apply to - you will be put on a waiting list. There can be numerous reasons for that. The most common reasons are:

• Interest in having a plot is high in your area or on your chosen site
• The number of plots are low in your area
• The allotment sites are badly managed (very common cause)

Being on a waiting list can be frustrating - particularly when you walk past an allotment site with several overgrown plots (which would indicate a lack of interest on the current tennants part) - but in some cases a bit of tenacity can pay off. Getting in touch with the site management on a regular basis (once every 2-3 weeks), checking on your status on the list and letting them know you monitor the status of the site, tends to get things moving your way because you show an interest.

If you’re on a waiting list on a site where all plots are well tendered to, you may want to consider looking elsewhere, as chances are slim you will be getting a plot on that site anytime soon. By all means keep your name on the waiting list - while exploring other options. There’s nothing to say you can’t have your name on more than one waiting list.

Over the next few weeks I’ll try to show you what could happen once you get your lucky break - and the tennancy agreement on your plot comes through your letter box.

Technorati Tags: Allotmenteer, Plot, Waiting List