Empty Common Allotment Society

Empty Common Allotments is a unique and special site within the city, a place for growing food within a green environment. Well known for its wildlife and a key part of a green corridor stretching along Hobson’s and Vicar’s Brooks, it is characterised by a colourful mosaic of trees and shrubs between the cultivated plots, a feature much valued by the plot holders. A city council run site, the main site has the equivalent of 41 full plots divided into full, half and starter plots, with additional starter plots at the South end.

Empty Common Allotment Society (ECAS) was set up in 2002 in association with the City Council to represent allotment holders. The main objectives and benefits of ECAS membership are:

• To promote the interests of the allotment site and plot holders
• To represent plot holders and be a point of contact for the City Council and others
• To help protect members and plots against damage, trespass and theft
• To trade discounted broad beans and potatoes and on occasion other item
• Provide representation at the Cambridge Central Council of Allotments Societies
• ECAS membership of the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners with access to national representation and legal advice

Plot holders are encouraged to join the society: new members are especially welcome. The annual subscription fee, £5 for 2020, covers memberships, stationery and postal costs. £3.00 is forwarded as membership of the National Council of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG).

ECAS is constituted with a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer and committee of elected members. The full rules of the Society are available on request. The Annual General Meeting of the Society takes place in March/April each year, at which members are free to voice concerns and suggest improvements.

For more membership information please contact the Treasurer Andrew Phillips at wap4ATcam.ac.uk.