Winchester and District Allotments Holders' Society (WDAHS) is a 12-acre site on the south-east of Winchester near to the new leisure centre and the university athletics track. We have over 100 plots and a thriving community of allotmenteers, if you would like to apply to join us, please have a look through the FAQs and click on the link at the bottom at the page
Plots are let by the rod which is an old unit for measuring land. One rod is equal to approximately 25m2. Most of our plots are either 10 or 5 rods however we do offer some smaller Starter Plots. The annual cost is £6.50 per rod and there is a one-off joining fee of £60.00 for new members.
A 10 rod plot is approximately 10m X 25m
A 5 rod plot is approximately 10m x 12.5m
A Starter Plot is approximately 5m x 6m
(as the plots have been worked for over 100 years, no plots are exactly 5 or 10 rods)
Currently, we expect new members to be offered a plot within 12 months of applying.
Winchester & District Allotment Holders' Society is next to the King George V playing fields in Highcliffe on the south-eastern edge of Winchester, most of our members are from Highcliffe, Bar End, Winnall and the town centre. There are several other allotment sites in Winchester, the details of which can be found on the Winchester city Council website https://www.winchester.gov.uk/community-recreation/allotments
No, we are a private site run by volunteer members. If you would like to find out more have a look at our about us page.
Little and often is the secret to a successful allotment. During the growing season, you will need to spend at least a couple of hours a week on your plot in order to keep it maintained.
A copy of our Rules can be found on our Rules & Policies page
Greenhouses, sheds and polytunnels are allowed on site, however permission must be obtained from the Committee before anything is erected. Members are responsible for ensuring structures are secure and safe and adhere to planning restrictions.
We have running water and a toilet on site, we also have a portacabin which is used as the hub for social events and a communal wildlife garden for members to enjoy.
Members can have help from non-members, but all non-members must be accompanied by a member at all times. If you would like to share the maintenance of your plot, you can apply for an Associate Membership which allows a friend or family member to tend to your plot when you are not there.
Historically allotments were used solely to grow fruit and vegetables such as potatoes and leeks. We do not impose any restrictions beyond banned / illegal substances. Plots can be used to grow vegetables, fruit, flowers & herbs, we just ask for them to be maintained and cultivated.
There are no restrictions to access, each member is given the code to the gate and they can come and go as they please. Members must not share the gate code with non-members.
You will need your own basic gardening tools such as a spade, fork, rake, hand trowel and probably a wheel barrow. As a member, you are responsible for maintaining one of the grass paths alongside your plot, so you will need to consider how you are going to cut it during the growing season.
Some of our members are organic, but we do not impose any restrictions on our members. We are however committed to ensuring that as a Society we do not have a negative impact on either our neighbours or surrounding wildlife.
Yes, dogs can be brought onto site, but they must be kept on a lead while on communal areas and not be a nuisance to other members.
We do have fresh water on site, but we are metered and it is our biggest expense, so members are expected to use it sparingly. Irrigation systems must not be connected to the mains and sprinkler systems are not allowed. The use of hosepipes is currently restricted to a maximum of 30 minutes and only before 10am and after 18:00.
Animals are allowed on site, but members wishing to keep animals must have permission from the Committee before they are brought onto site. There are restrictions on what is allowed where.
The Committee runs several social events throughout the year usually starting with a Plant-Swap in the spring. All members are welcome to join our Plot-On Group meets on the first Saturday of the month to discuss all things allotment over a cup of tea and piece of homemade cake in the portacabin. We usually have a couple of 'Work-Party' days throughout the year where members are expected to come along and help maintain our site.