National Allotments Week 2026 – Grow to Learn
From 10–16 August 2026, allotment sites across the UK will come alive for National Allotments Week,
celebrating the incredible benefits of allotment gardening for individuals, families, and communities.
 (1).png)
What Is National Allotments Week?
Established in 2002, National Allotments Week is an annual celebration dedicated to raising awareness of the vital role allotments play in promoting healthier lifestyles, sustainable living, and stronger communities.Spearheaded by the National Allotment Society (NAS), the week encourages people of all ages to connect with the land, learn new skills, and strengthen social bonds.
Allotments are more than just plots to grow food — they are
spaces for learning, wellbeing, and community connection. They offer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, develop practical and life skills, and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
Why Grow to Learn?
Allotments are living classrooms, offering lessons far beyond gardening:
Patience and resilience:
Crops grow at their own pace, and gardeners learn to adapt to challenges such as weather, pests, and crop failures.
Problem-solving and curiosity:
Every plot presents unique puzzles, teaching creative solutions and hands-on science.
Teamwork and sharing:
Advice, seeds, tools, and knowledge are often shared between plot holders and generations.
Lifelong learning:
Time on the allotment fosters continuous curiosity, independence, and confidence.
Next-generation engagement:
Young people gain valuable life skills and a connection to food and nature.
Spending time on an allotment doesn’t just teach you about plants — it
supports personal development, mental and physical well-being, and practical life skills that last a lifetime.
Mike Farrell, Chair of NAS, says:
"Allotments have always been more than just a place to grow food. They are hubs of community spirit, well-being, and environmental awareness. National Allotments Week is our chance to celebrate their enduring value and to invite others to experience the joys and rewards of allotment gardening."
The Broader Benefits of Allotments
National Allotments Week also reminds us why allotments are so vital today:
Promote Healthy Living:
Growing your own food encourages nutritious diets and physical activity.
Champion Sustainability:
Homegrown produce reduces food miles, packaging waste, and reliance on supermarkets.
Strengthen Communities:
Allotments bring people together, fostering social bonds and shared learning.
Educate and Inspire:
Stories of plot holders and innovative community projects inspire more people to grow their own.
Preserve Allotments:
Highlighting their importance encourages efforts to maintain and protect these spaces.
 (2).png)
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to celebrate and participate in National Allotments Week:
Hold your own event:
Host an open day, showcase your plot, or organise a community gathering to highlight the benefits of allotment gardening.
Run a quiz or workshop:
Fun, informal activities can bring plot holders and the wider community together.
Share your story:
Inspire others by sharing what your allotment has taught you — from gardening skills to life lessons.
Celebrate as a community:
Small gatherings, seed swaps, or group harvest celebrations strengthen connections and highlight learning.
NAS members can access online resources to support events here, and more materials will be released in the weeks leading up to National Allotments Week.
A Quick Look Back: Previous Themes
National Allotments Week has explored a variety of themes over the years:
2025 – Allotments & Wellbeing
2024 – Biodiversity
2023 – Soil Health
2022 – Bugs, Bees, and Broccoli
2021 – Plotting for the Future
2020 – Growing Food for Health and Wellbeing
Each year, the week showcases a different aspect of the wide-ranging value of allotments, from environmental awareness to community connection.
Key Dates
10–16 August 2026 – National Allotments WeekFurther resources, event ideas, and participation materials will be released online for members in the lead-up to the week.
Why It Matters
National Allotments Week is about more than growing vegetables — it’s about growing skills, confidence, community, and wellbeing. This year’s theme,
Grow to Learn celebrates the way allotments act as living classrooms, where learning, personal development, and connection to nature happen naturally.
Whether you’re hosting a local event, sharing your experiences online, or simply spending time on your plot, National Allotments Week 2026 is a chance to
celebrate the knowledge, joy, and community spirit that allotments bring.
Become a National Allotment Society member and help to preserve and protect allotments for future generations.
You'll also gain a range of benefits, including free liability insurance, initial legal support, expert advice, and much more.
Non Member Newsletter Signup
National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Ltd
Registered in 1930 under the Industrial & Provident Societies Acts no. 11144R
VAT No. 1212930 14
Patron His Majesty King Charles III
© 2022-2023 National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Ltd