Each year, there is an annual judging of each allotment to see how well each allotmenteer is doing. Prizes and certificates are awarded for the best-kept allotments. Usually, an external judge is appointed to make these judgments. In the event of a tie for the best allotment, the judge decides whether there is an overall winner.
Judging Criteria
In 2025, a new scoring system with five categories has been introduced, each with a maximum score of 10 points. This change was made because the previous system, which had eight categories, was too time-consuming to evaluate, given the large number of plots that needed to be judged.
The categories are explained below.
1. PLOT PLANNING
This looks at how a plot is planned. A good plot does not necessarily mean pristine rows of the same crop; intercropping and companion planting may be a feature of a good allotment. A well-planned plot, however, is likely to have areas for soft fruits, perennial vegetables, annual vegetables, small leafy vegetables, climbing vegetables, etc. Consideration will be given to the ease of accessing the various parts of the plot, as well as any potential hazards or safety concerns, and the efficient use of space.
2. VARIETY AND HEALTH OF PRODUCE
A range of Fruit and Vegetables appropriate to the size of the allotment is encouraged. Some diseases are inevitable, so this category is not looking for all crops to be disease-free, but rather at how healthy crops are overall. Healthy soil and biodiversity also play a crucial role in preventing and controlling diseases.
3. WEEDS
Weeds compete with food crops and hence should be controlled. Annual weeds that have not gone to seed and are not having a negative impact on crops can be a positive feature for soil maintenance and biodiversity. However, perennial weeds in the areas where crops are grown are a negative. Areas of the plot that have managed “weeds” for biodiversity, e.g. to encourage wildlife such as butterflies and bees, should be discounted.
4. COMPOST
Making compost is important for soil fertility. It is suggested that there should be at least two compost heaps, and preferably three or more. This enables the compost to mature without constantly adding new material onto rotted material. Green manure, in liquid form or as a planting material, will also be taken into consideration.
5. SUSTAINABILITY
Allotments play a part in supporting biodiversity. They should encourage wildlife, birds and insects. Consideration should also be given to water buts to harvest rainwater. Taking into consideration the size of the plot, the following factors may be considered:
- An area for pollinating flowers to encourage butterflies and bees
- Nest boxes/ insect hotels
- Evidence of not using weed killer, chemical fertiliser, or harmful slug pellets
- Water butts to collect rainwater
- A “Wild” area to encourage insects, frogs and toads
Guidance on Biodiversity
Joe Godden, a past representative for the Warren Avenue allotment, undertook research for the Society on how other allotment societies and similar bodies approach the issue of biodiversity, with a particular focus on the judging criteria for best-kept allotments. There is good evidence of the growing recognition of the importance of recognising biodiversity, and clearly, some allotment societies recognise biodiversity in their judging criteria.
The following gives a sample:
1 - “Our local group is introducing a wildlife friendly category, ponds, bug houses, wild flower areas etc.” (Northamptonshire)
2 - Calderdale council Judging criteria:
Judging for weed free: (Notes for the judges when judging weed free) You should consider the effects on rare (or even common) wildlife to the extent of ignoring small patches of nettles which are used by several butterflies (Peacock, Red Admiral, Tortoiseshell and so on), and also sorrel which is host to various 'Coppers'. For example a 'hedge' (windbreak) of Michaelmas daisies gives a rich late feed of nectar which is lapped up by these butterflies
3 - Ashfield Environmental Friendly Practice & Biodiversity
With consideration for site management policy, credit will be given for environmental friendly practices and the promotion of biodiversity such as the use of green manures, composting, water butts, mulching, beekeeping, etc.
4 - Trafford Council Environmental Award
Plots should be maintained to the same standard and criteria as the individual plots and have additional criteria and features:
- Non-use of chemicals and pesticides (organic slug pellets are not allowed)
- Biodiversity – planting for the benefit of pollinating insects and bees and other wildlife
- Bird boxes, ladybird and insect boxes, wormeries, ponds, hedgehog habitat, butterfly gardens (not compulsory but beneficial)
- Use of water butts
- Companion planting
5 - Hatfield Peveril Allotment Association
We are changing things up a little year and focusing on getting more members involved this year. Gone is the need to grow crops just for the competition, it is all about keeping a tidy productive plot now with extra points awarded for environmental features like; water conservation, growing for bees, creating wildlife areas to attract helpful bugs and animal life
- Most Eco Friendly
- Best use of recycled material
- Rain Water conservation
- Wildlife friendly plants & flowers
- Best Use of space
6 - Cardiff
Wildlife on Allotments Allotment sites and plots can be a haven for wildlife. Many sites have hedges and trees around them. Planting of flowers and diverse crops attract insects. Log piles can attract toads and other beneficial insects. Bat, bird, bumble bee, butterfly and ladybird nest boxes can help to increase the population. Even a small shallow area of water can attract newts and frogs and bring an extra pleasure and interest to the plot.
7 - Natural England
Allotments are also an increasingly important resource for wildlife. Allotments are a refuge for both people and wildlife. This leaflet will help you enhance the conservation value of your allotment, while continuing to cultivate it for fruit and vegetables
8 - Allotments and bio diversity Glasgow Council
Over the past 20 years, 28% of the plants, 56% of the birds and 76% of the butterflies in Britain have declined in numbers. Some of the threatened species are garden visitors, for example song thrushes, bullfinches, tree sparrows and some types of bumble bees and butterflies. (Science vol. 303. p1879) Allotments, especially those in cities are important habitats for wildlife as they provide food, shelter and breeding sites. We do not really know the full consequences of the threatened extinction of so many species except that it is likely to diminish the quality of life for all of us. By gardening in harmony with nature, people benefit as much as the other species belonging to the planet. Biodiversity is the variety of living things on earth, from the smallest insect to the largest mammal and tree. It encompasses the variation within a species and the complex ecosystems or habitats where they are found. It is not just restricted to rare species or threatened wildlife sites, but includes the whole of the natural world. (Glasgow City Biodiversity Action Plan). This booklet brings together some of the best ideas of how biodiversity can be enriched in Allotments. Many of these ideas are simple. They can be incorporated easily without changing the essential purpose of an allotment garden as a plot of land to be cultivated for the production of vegetables, fruit and flowers.
Some of the richest wildlife areas on Allotments can be found around the boundaries. A few simple actions can increase biodiversity, improve security and enhance the view at the same time. Fences can be used as frames for climbers such as Russian vine, clematis, roses and honeysuckle. The addition of ivy with its thick, evergreen growth providing all year round shelter, ensures the transformation of an uninteresting structure into a wildlife haven. Fences can be concealed within a mixed hedge of hawthorn, blackthorn, holly, pyracantha, bramble and roses. Over several seasons, the mix provides a variety of attractive, nectar producing flowers. The berries provide food while the bushes themselves give shelter for resting and nesting. The thorns are an effective deterrent to intruders.