Allotments and Community Gardens in Whitley Bay

Allotment demand in North Tyneside is at an all-time high, with over 1,500 people waiting for one of the borough's 1,300 plots. But Whitley Bay has something most areas do not -- a dedicated community allotment and orchard alongside the council-managed sites. Here is the guide.

Whitley Bay Community Allotment and Orchard

The Whitley Bay Community Allotment and Orchard provides small, manageable organic vegetable plots and community fruit growing for local residents of Whitley Bay and Monkseaton. The community consists of local gardeners looking after manageable-sized plots and growing organic fruit and vegetables.

Best for: The Whitley Bay Community Allotment offers small, manageable organic plots -- a great alternative to the long council waiting lists.

The community allotment is registered with Social Farms and Gardens and is listed on Neighbourly as an active community project.

Council Allotment Sites

North Tyneside Council manages allotment sites across the borough. The nearest to Whitley Bay include:

West Monkseaton Allotments at Sunningdale, West Monkseaton -- a council-managed site accessible from the Whitley Bay area.

Other sites in the south-east area of North Tyneside are listed on the council's allotments map.

How to Apply

For the community allotment, visit communityallotment.org to enquire about availability.

For council allotments, apply through North Tyneside Council's allotments page. You can specify which sites you prefer.

Waiting times: The council waiting list is at least three years, with some areas considerably longer.

What People Grow

The coastal climate suits most common allotment crops, though salt-laden wind can affect exposed plots. Potatoes, onions, leeks, brassicas, runner beans, beetroot, carrots, and soft fruit all do well with a bit of shelter. Polytunnels are popular for tomatoes, peppers, and courgettes. The community allotment's organic approach means no chemical fertilisers or pesticides.

Can't Get a Plot?

Container gardening on a patio, balcony, or back yard is a productive option while you wait. Tomatoes, salad leaves, herbs, courgettes, and strawberries all grow well in large pots or grow bags.

North Tyneside Big Local sometimes runs community growing projects in the Whitley Bay area -- check their website for current initiatives.

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