About us
Friern Barnet Central Allotment Holders Association Ltd manages two large allotment sites in North London – Hatley Close and The Crescent. With 180 plots and about 260 members we are one of the largest sites in Barnet and have a long waiting list.
What the Association is and does
The Association is an Industrial and Friendly Society (a Co-op), which manages the allotment sites for the benefit of its members. It is run entirely by volunteers from amongst the members. It collects the annual rents for the individual plots and holds the head lease negotiated with Barnet Council.
Waiting list
Our allotment sites are very popular and we keep a long waiting list. The average time to wait for a plot is about two years although this fluctuates with demand. It’s worth signing up now if you are really keen to grow your own fruit and vegetables and play a full part in allotment life.
What allotments are for (and what not)
With demand for plots so high, it is important that all members are clear about what an allotment plot is for. We expect everyone to grow the full range of fruit and vegetables in the spring/summer season, plant some overwintering crops, and keep their plots clean and dug over during the year, even if nothing is growing (the weeds never give up!)
Plots are not an outdoor space for barbecues. Wen encourage our members to socialise and members may have a barbecue at the end of a long day of digging. If you invite family or friends to visit you, you are responsible for their actions whilst on the site so you must supervise them. We can’t let plots for the sole purpose of having a piece of outdoor space in which to relax.
Social events
We are a friendly organisation and although you are often alone on your plot we like to socialise and meet up when we can. The Trading Hut is open on Sunday mornings for a cup of coffee if you want one, and the Association puts on Christmas Drinks in early December and a large barbecue in September each year, open to family and close friends.
Trading Hut
Our Trading Hut is fully stocked, and members can purchase a full range of items needed by keen gardeners at very reasonable prices, including seeds, seed potatoes, compost and watering cans. The Trading Hut buys gardening supplies wholesale and sells them on to members only. The Hut is open between 10 and 12 every Sunday, except in December and January. It is kept open by members who volunteer their time and new members are asked to join the rota.