Chesterfield Allotment Network
With the support of Transition Chesterfield and the local branch of the Co-operative Party, 14 of the associations that lease directly from Chesterfield Borough Council have collaborated to re-establish the Chesterfield Allotment Network (CAN). It is a co-operation that aims to promote and protect the heritage of allotment gardening, supporting individual associations to maintain strong, confident and respected self-management of allotment sites.
Who are the Chesterfield Allotment Network?
Why is the Chesterfield Allotment Network important?
Allotment gardening in Chesterfield dates back more than 100 years. It represents a significant heritage of community controlled, culturally and environmentally important green spaces.
Allotment gardens enrich the wildlife habitats and biodiversity of local areas across Chesterfield. They provide educational, recreational and social benefits for the whole community, with accessible and affordable space for getting outdoors and growing your own food, flowers and plants alongside people of all ages and backgrounds.
Data taken from CBC Allotment Strategy 2012-2016
Case Study - Goldwell Hill
Goldwell No 2 Allotment Association’s site is thought to have been an allotment for around 100 years on what was part of a garden to a large house. The stone coach house remains and is within the boundary of the allotment site. Biodiversity, attracting wildlife and pollinators and organic gardening generally are all important issues and are encouraged on site and a comprehensive list of wildlife visiting the site is updated when new species are spotted. The association recently contributed photographs and narrative to the Transition Chesterfield Big Green Week display at Chesterfield Library.
How to get involved
Take on an allotment of your own
Chesterfield’s allotment gardens are managed by individual allotment associations. If you would like an allotment of your own, check out the following links to find an allotment near you.
Donate to support your local allotment
Donate spare materials
Allotment associations are great at re-using and re-purposing materials and will often take donations of wood pallets, wood chippings, guttering, plastic barrels for rain water collection etc. Donations of garden tools may also be welcome to help people get started when they may not have an income to fund equipment.
Support rainwater harvesting
We are working on a project to help allotment associations enhance rainwater harvesting. Donations of gutters, down pipes and hose pipes and plastic barrels or refurbished integrated bulk containers will contribute to our campaign to reduce consumption of treated mains water and strengthen environmental sustainability.
Donation Contact Form
If you have something you think we might find useful that you would like to donate. Please fill in the below form and we’ll be in touch!
Nation Allotment Society’s Allotment Week
Started in 2002, the National Allotment Society runs a National Allotments Week which is an annual initiative that aims to raise awareness of allotments and their role in helping people live healthier lifestyles, grow their food, develop friendships, and bolster communities.
Their annual awareness week will run from 10-16 August 2026, and they have chosen the theme “Grow to Learn”
Further information can be found here.
Local National Allotment Week Events
Here are some events happening near you, click on them for more information.
Grove Allotment Association’s Open Day
When: Saturday 15th August 2026 - 10:00 - 13:00
Where: Grove Allotment Gardens, Chesterfield, S41 8SJ
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”
— Audrey Hepburn
Find out more about allotment gardening
The National Allotment Society (NSALG) has a range of resources and information.
