About us

The Hackney Allotment Society, founded in 1979, is a registered charity number 294128 managed by a voluntary committee. The aim of the Society is to promote horticulture in the London Borough of Hackney. We have 9 sites across the borough with a total of 133 full plots. Some plots are split into half plots and we have two raised bed plots. Demand for plots is high and a waiting list is maintained. Waiting time is likely to be several years depending on your choice of site.

In 1979, an article by Ashley Godfrey of Hackney Council's planning department about the borough wanting to find a use for empty land, appeared in the 'Hackney People's Press', a long defunct free radical paper. Some locals responded to the article suggesting allotments and an open meeting at the Town Hall was arranged.

With the support of the National Association of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners the Council was persuaded not to charge full rates for rent of the land. Leases were negotiated and the Society was registered as a Charity in 1986. Subsequently, Aden Terrace site which was managed by Stoke Newington Gardeners Guild integrated with the Hackney Allotment Society in 1990.

The Society maintains a comprehensive archive of newsletters and AGM minutes dating back to 2004.

Membership list now closed

Following the brief re-opening of the membership list for the admittance of 100 new members during February 2024, the list is now closed.

When the membership list is open you may apply to become a member of Hackney Allotment Society and join the waiting list for a plot if you are 18 years or older, a resident of the London Borough of Hackney and not already an allotment plot holder.

Membership of the Society is £4 per annum, renewable on 1st October each year. As a member, you will retain your place on the waiting list, receive regular newsletters, and may attend and vote at the AGM.

To be notified when the membership list is next re-opened please complete our contact form.

How are plots allocated?

Plots are allocated according to the order of the waiting list, taking into consideration any preferences specified in the application. Members are invited to visit the vacant plot prior to acceptance.

The plot rent for 2025 is £31 per annum for a full plot (£15.50 concessions) and £15.50 per annum for a half plot (£7.75 concessions). The membership fee of £4 is payable in addition to these amounts.

AGM 2025 minutes

The draft 2025 AGM minutes with Chair's report, treasurer's report, HAS accounts, discussion on tree policy, plea for vice-chair, thanks to site reps and best plot awards.

Waiting list update

The Society received 784 applications to join the waiting list when it was briefly reopened in February 2024 and has admitted 100 new members. At the date of the 2025 AGM there were approximately 70 members on the waiting list.

The Society is always on the lookout for new sites. If you spot any disused land in Hackney which could be converted into a valuable growing plot, send as much information as possible to our Secretary who will investigate.