A green urban oasis

Ashley Vale Association Allotments

This 13 acre site stretches across the hillside above St Werburghs City Farm. It’s bordered by Ashley Hill on one side and Stoney Lane on the other.

St Werburghs City Farm manages the site on behalf of Bristol City Council. The farm looks after plot letting, collection of annual rents and other admin. Email office@swcityfarm.co.uk, call or pop by the farm office if you need help with tenancy related queries.

For plot-related queries, your Field Rep is your first port of call. They have a wealth of knowledge about the site and are happy to answer questions and offer support.

The AVAA committee have a vital role in looking after the site. They and their volunteers carry out maintenance work such as hedge-laying, path restoration, tree work and much more! They also organise events for plot holders such as tool maintenance workshops and the annual Produce Show.

Apply For An Allotment

Send us an application form and we’ll add you to our waiting list. Demand for allotments in the area is high, so it could be about 4 years before we’re able to offer you a plot.

Existing plot holders sometimes find themselves in need of an extra pair of hands. If you’d like to help an existing plot holder look after their plot while you wait for your own to come up, select ‘Yes’ to ‘Sharing With An Existing Plot Holder’ on the form and we’ll be in touch if any opportunities arise.

Resources for plot holders

Allotment Rules

Vital reading for both newer and long-term plot holders alike:

A brief overview of the rules can be found in the farm’s Plot Holder Information Sheet.

More information can be found on the council’s website here.

And the Bristol Allotment Tenant’s Handbook is a fountain of information in one handy guide!

While there are minor differences in how the AVAA site is managed compared to other council-owned sites, the same rules generally apply.

Trees, Shrubs and Hedges

If you’re thinking of planting trees or shrubs on your plot, read the full policy here for guidance and information about species to avoid planting.

Plot Sharing

If you have a friend or family member who’d like to help out, you can ask the farm office to add them as a sharer on your plot. If sharing:

  • The named plot holder still has ultimate responsibility for the plot.
  • Once the sharer has been helping for at least two years, the plot can be passed on to them if the plot holder wants to.
  • The named plot holder can remove anyone as a sharer at any time, regardless of how long they’ve been helping (unlikely, but important to know!).
  • If you’re a plot sharer and would like to have your own plot on the site one day, you’ll need to join the waiting list (link above).
How Is The Income From Rent Payments Used?

The income raised from plot holders’ rent payments and the AVAA membership fee is split between Bristol City Council, St Werburghs City Farm and the AVAA. You can find more information on how this income was used for 2023/2024 here.

What To Do If You’re Struggling With Your Plot

Life can sometimes get in the way of being able to look after and enjoy your plot as much as you’d like to. If you find that your plot is getting on top of you, you can find advice here.

AVAA Resources and Contact

If you’d like to help organise the AVAA’s seasonal events or get involved with volunteer days on the site, please get in touch via office@swcityfarm.co.uk.