This year is our first year of holding the Plotting On Award which celebrates established plotholders who have developed their growing spaces over time—recognising the hard work, learning, creativity, and community spirit that goes into years of tending an allotment.
It is not about perfection; it is about passion, progress, and the joy of growing.
Who can participate?
To be eligible you will have taken on your plot before 1 January in the year prior to the year in which you apply – i.e. you’ve already been able to complete at least one full growing season.
That eans for applications this year, anyone who got their plot before 1st January 2025 is eligible.
Judging for the Plotting On Awards will take place on Sunday 9th August.
People can enter on their own behalf, and they can also nominate another plotholder and assist with the application.
Prizes
- 1st prize: £50 of gardening vouchers
- 2nd prize: £40 of gardening vouchers
- 3rd prize: £30 of gardening vouchers
All three prizes also include an official certificate from the Incorporation of Gardeners.
Judging criteria
Points are awarded in several categories:
- Growing plan and sustainability
- Overall appearance and design
- Cultivation and growing methods
- Site maintenance and boundaries
- Environmental awareness
- Community contribution
For full details, see the application guidance below.
Apply
- Read our full application pack (Word document) to see what the judges will be looking for
- Fill in the form on pages 3 and 4
- You may fill it in directly in the Word document or print it, fill it in by hand, and send us a scan or a clear photo
- Email the completed form to gafforum@gmail.com by Monday 27 July 2026
- We’ll never share your information without your permission, so if you’d like your allotment site to know you’ve applied so they can support you in writing your application or share your news internally, let your local committee know