Bladon has a small allotments site off School Lane between the recreation ground and the cemetery. Currently it comprises 27 plots and is managed by the committee of the Bladon Allotments Association on behalf of our landlord, Blenheim Estate. Plots vary in size mainly from 60 to 200 sq. metres with annual rents from £15 to £45 for 2022. Rents are due at the AGM which is usually held in October/November.
Payment of rent automatically enrols the tenant as a member of the Allotments Association and also covers water, public liability insurance and other incidental expenses. In addition tenants are required to pay a deposit of one year’s rent at the start of a tenancy, refundable when leaving but only if the plot is left in a reasonable condition.
Small sheds and rainwater harvesting structures are allowed on the site but not greenhouses. Water is available to fill cans at the tap by the north gate of the churchyard. We have installed a shared hose system on the site in 2020 to take water much nearer to the plots. Vehicles can be parked in the cemetery car park or on the main track through the site but tenants are encouraged to access the site on foot or bicycle.
Until several years ago Bladon provided Woodstock residents with allotments on an equal basis. Now that Woodstock has its own allotment site, Bladon residents take precedence on the waiting list. We still have a few long-standing tenants from Woodstock who wish to retain the plots in which they have invested so much time and effort and who remain very welcome.
Anyone wishing to rent an allotment plot can email the Allotments Association at bladonallotmentenquiries@outlook.com You may be asked to go on a waiting list as useable plots are often not immediately available.