Ponds

Ponds on Allotment Plots

We have been asked recently about whether it’s ok to create a pond within a plot. It is, but it needs to be “appropriate” to a ‘’shared allotment site and pose no risk or problem for others. The points below hopefully help.

Primary Purpose: A small pond can give pleasure attracting wildlife and adding something a bit different on plot. Our Association rules and guidance don’t ban ponds. Nor do we put out anything detailed on how to go about putting a pond in where one is wanted.

But any pond needs to be proportionate and safe. Allotments are there for growing fruit and vegetables. Any pond should be a small feature - not an alternative to that. Allotments generally say that ponds should be no more than 5% to 10% of your plot size and primarily serve an environmental purpose. Ornamental or edible fish are typically not allowed. Those who create ponds often do so to attract wildlife. If so, the pond should be wildlife accessible! That means some form of shallow, sloping side or a stone ramp so animals like hedgehogs and frogs can climb out

Safety & Materials: Please remember allotments are shared space used by the old and young. We need, in particular, to minimise child safety hazards. The use of old bathtubs or other ways of creating excessively deep bodies of water are appropriate. And ponds should sit well inside the boundary of your plot - not hard up against other plots.  As with other things plot holder bring on site it is important to think about how action may affect other plot holders, how decisions may one day affect the association’s ability to find replacement plot holders if/when you move on.

N.B. If you are planning to install a pond please contact the committee before acting.

TAL Committee

August 2026