National Allotment Society strengthens volunteer network to help protect allotments

The National Allotment Society (NAS), which has its headquarters in Corby, recently brought together 60 volunteers for its Annual Development Programme, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the people who help protect, preserve and promote allotments.

As the UK’s leading representative body for allotments, the annual two-day event, held on 14–15 October, forms part of NAS’ investment in developing volunteers’ knowledge and skills, helping them support allotment communities. Those in attendance were provided with training and given opportunities to share ideas while learning from fellow volunteers and guest speakers, including NAS’ latest ambassador, gardener, author and content creator Huw Richards.

Also joining the event were fellow NAS ambassadors Zoe Claymore and Sarah Owen-Hughes, with sessions exploring regenerative gardening and what allotment growers can learn from agriculture and market gardening, alongside soil and climate change. Guest speaker David Lloyd from The Orchard Project also contributed to the programme.

Training covered rules and constitutions, membership benefits and administration, as well as legal, financial, marketing and communications topics. Volunteers also explored regional action plans and succession planning, with opportunities to reflect on their learning and identify next steps.

Speaking on the success of the event, Charlotte Watts, Marketing & PR Manager at NAS, said: “Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do, giving their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to help support allotment communities across the country. Our Annual Development Programme is an important opportunity to bring everyone together, share experiences and recognise the contribution they make.

“This year we were delighted to be joined by some of our wonderful ambassadors, along with guest speaker David Lloyd from The Orchard Project, who helped make the event even more engaging and informative.

“Events like these help us to bring everyone together to develop the knowledge and skills needed to protect, preserve and promote allotments. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed.”

With volunteers playing such an important role in supporting and protecting allotments, NAS is encouraging anyone with an interest in allotments and a willingness to share their skills and experience, to find out more about volunteering opportunities.

For more information, visit: https://thenas.org.uk/volunteering