NEWBURY’S ‘BEST KEPT ALLOTMENTS 2025’ 

Newbury’s annual ‘Best Kept Allotment’ awards were celebrated at the Town Hall Chamber on Tuesday evening. The Mayor of Newbury, Cllr David Harman and Mayoress Rosalind Harman, presented awards to tenants who impressed judges with their outstanding allotment plots across the 6 sites in Newbury.

This year, 21 awards were handed out, including ‘Best Newcomer,’ ‘Best Plot,’ ‘Best Schools Plot,’ and the coveted ‘Best Site Overall.’

Judges assessed plots on a variety of criteria, including overall visual impact, effective use of space, crop variety, path condition, and special features to support wildlife. A number of the allotment tenants use their plots creatively to boost biodiversity—many plots featured ‘bug hotels,’ ‘bee tubes,’ and small ponds to help amphibians thrive, supporting local wildlife and contributing to wider climate action.

Shannon Carr, one of our allotment stewards at Southby’s, proudly took home the trophy for Best Site Overall.  Cllr Vaughan Miller, Chair of the Council’s Community Services Committee, who has recently visited all of the allotment sites, said, “I was especially impressed by Southby’s. All of the sites were in great condition despite the challenging weather, but Southby’s stood out for the stewards’ enthusiasm, their innovative use of sustainable by-products for mulching, and their smart approach to bulk fertiliser purchasing.”

A special award also went to Falkland Primary School, whose pupils tend an allotment plot at Wash Common, inspiring the next generation of gardeners.

Reflecting on the evening, Cllr David Harman said, “Our allotment tenants do a fantastic job caring for their plots. They don’t just grow fresh produce—they create spaces that benefit both body and mind. Every site is full of creativity and variety, and the dedication of our tenants deserves real recognition.”

Newbury has around 550 allotment plots, from small starter spaces to larger family plots. Tenants range from lifelong gardeners to enthusiastic newcomers and young families.

While all sites currently have waiting lists, some are shorter than others—so you might not have to wait as long as you think! If you’d like to join the community and ‘grow your own,’ visit www.newbury.gov.uk/services/allotments to register your interest.

For the full list of winners click here