Birmingham allotments celebrated as National Allotments Week begins
Birmingham’s allotments are being celebrated as National Allotments Week 2026 gets under way, with a call for growing spaces to be recognised and protected as important community assets
The National Allotment Society (NAS), the UK’s leading representative body for allotment holders, is using the week to highlight the benefits of allotments and the importance of protecting them for future generations.
National Allotments Week runs from August 10 to 16 and this year’s theme is ‘Grow to Learn – Lifelong lessons from the allotment’.
The society says allotments act as living classrooms where people of all ages can learn practical growing skills, build confidence, support their physical and mental wellbeing and connect with nature and their local communities.
With pressure on land continuing and demand for allotment plots remaining high in many areas, the NAS is calling for allotments to be properly supported and protected.
Sonia Gallagher, national secretary and general manager at the National Allotment Society, said: “Allotments have always been places of growth in every sense of the word. They help people grow food, but they also help people grow in confidence, resilience, knowledge and friendship.
“National Allotments Week is an opportunity to celebrate the people and communities who make allotments so special, while reminding decision-makers that access to land for growing must be protected for future generations.”
Allotment sites around the country will be marking the week with activities including open days, photography competitions and community events.
The society has also launched a new short film on YouTube exploring the role allotments play in preserving traditional skills, strengthening communities and protecting the environment.
The film highlights how growing spaces can contribute to healthier lifestyles, food security, environmental awareness, intergenerational learning and social connections.
The NAS will also announce the winners of its national quote competition during the week, featuring entries from growers sharing practical, personal, humorous and inspirational lessons learned on their plots.
A winner will also be announced for the Youth Allotment Ambassador Competition, which invited young growers to showcase their passion for gardening and the skills they have developed through growing.