Livestock
Chickens
Under the 1950 Allotment Act, the keeping of hens is permitted on our allotments, as long as they are for the tenants own use and not for business or profit. As a guide, a point-of-lay hen might lay up to five eggs in any week, so the average family would require no more than 2 or 3 hens.
Whether you decide to keep them as pets or for a supply of fresh eggs, keeping chickens should only be considered if you have the time and resources to look after them properly. It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure the health and wellbeing of hens on their plot in addition to sustaining a clean and habitable environment.
Tenants must notify the Council of their intention to keep chickens on allotment plots and request an application form by contacting the Parks and Open Space team or call 01909 534 525.
From 1st October 2024 all keepers of chickens must register their details as per the UK Government website.
Bee Keeping
We are keen to support beekeeping and believe that honey bees play a critical role in the biodiversity of allotment sites and the wider environment. Any tenant wishing to keep honey bees must firstly obtain the Council’s permission and are subject to a number of strict conditions.
It should be noted that not every plot on every site will be in a suitable location for beekeeping and able to provide adequate screening and distance from fellow plot holders and neighbouring properties.
Tenants can contact the Parks and Open Space team or call 01909 534 525 for further advice and guidance.
Further information
Last Updated on Monday, September 30, 2024