Allotments and Community Gardens in North Shields

North Shields is a town of terraces and flats, and plenty of people here have no garden of their own. That makes the allotment sites tucked behind the streets of Balkwell, Preston and the Beach Road area all the more prized, and it is why the town's community gardens matter so much. Whether you want a plot of your own or just somewhere to get your hands in the soil this weekend, here is how growing works in North Shields.

How to get a council allotment

Almost every allotment in the town is owned by North Tyneside Council, which looks after 47 sites directly across the borough, with a further 13 run by their own associations or committees. Everything starts with one online form on the council's allotments page, and you need to live in North Tyneside to apply.

A few things worth knowing before you fill it in:

• Direct let plots (on council-managed sites) put you on the council's own waiting list. To check where you are on it, email allotments@northtyneside.gov.uk.
• Self-managed sites are run by a local association. If you choose one, the council passes your details to that committee, which adds you to its own list. If you would rather your details were not shared, stick to council-managed sites.
• Be patient. The council is upfront that the wait is at least three years from the date you apply on every site it manages, and longer in some areas, with more than 1,500 people waiting for around 1,300 plots borough-wide.

Because of that wait, it pays to apply sooner rather than later, and to put down more than one site if you are flexible about where you grow.

Best for: Best for: anyone ready to commit to a plot of their own and happy to wait a few years for it.

What a plot costs

The council charges by area, and the rate depends on whether the site has water. Its most recently published charges, for October 2025 to September 2026, were £5.80 per 10 square metres with a water supply and £5 without. On a typical 200 square metre plot that works out at £116 or £100 a year respectively. The allotment year runs from October, so check the council's fees page for the current season's rates before you budget.

That is remarkably good value for a year's worth of vegetables, fresh air and the company of the people on neighbouring plots, who are usually the best source of advice you will find.

Allotment sites in and around North Shields

The council's online allotments map lists every site with its location. Those in and around the town include:

• Preston Village, off Monkswood (NE30 2UE), on the northern side of town near Preston.
• Beach Road North and Beach Road South, off Lynn Road (NE29 8HL).
• Balkwell A and Balkwell C, off Heaton Terrace (NE29 7LY) on the west side of town.
• Silkey's Lane (NE29 0SS).
• Percy Main and Percy Main Extension, just west of Royal Quays.

The map also lets you filter by council-managed and self-managed sites, which tells you whose waiting list you are joining. Allotment sites are working spaces rather than public parks, so admire them from the gate unless a plotholder invites you in.

The Meadows Community Garden, Meadow Well

If you want to garden now rather than in three years, start with The Meadows on Waterville Road in Meadow Well. The charity runs a busy community hub with a five-acre community garden behind it, which it describes as a hidden gem at the back of the centre, open for everyone to use.

The garden is a big part of the charity's wellbeing work, used to support adults with additional needs and young people who are at risk of exclusion from school as they build confidence and practical skills. Volunteers have put thousands of hours into it, and the charity welcomes new ones in both the centre and the gardens, whatever your experience. Details are on its website, or call 0191 341 0033.

Best for: Best for: volunteering outdoors with no waiting list, and a large green space on the west side of town.

Lovaine Community Garden, town centre

A couple of minutes' walk from North Shields Metro, Lovaine Community Garden is a resident-led organic garden created in 2010 by neighbours from Lovaine Place and Cecil Street, on a former Second World War bomb site. It was set up to give people without gardens of their own a green space in the middle of town, and it teaches organic growing, composting and wildlife-friendly gardening.

It is not a public park and has no fixed opening hours: look for the bell on the gate or an OPEN sign, or arrange a visit in advance. Alongside the growing it hosts workshops, wellbeing and creative sessions, open days and small music evenings, and groups can book the space. Volunteering is arranged case by case, with help wanted in gardening, maintenance, joinery, events and fundraising. Contact the garden on 07701 024049 or through its website.

Best for: Best for: town-centre residents who want to learn organic growing in a friendly, small-scale setting.

Other ways to get growing

Northumberland Park. The restored Victorian park off Tynemouth Road has its own herb garden and butterfly meadow, and its Friends group has long helped the parks team with weekly gardening. Ask the park wardens or check the noticeboards for current volunteer sessions. Our parks and green spaces guide has more on the park itself.

The Community Garden Crawl. Each June, VODA's Grow and Eat project runs a free open day when community gardens across North Tyneside, including The Meadows and Lovaine, open their gates for tours and family activities. It is the easiest way to see several gardens in one day and meet the volunteers who run them.

Starting your own group. If you and your neighbours want to set up a growing project, the council points community groups towards North Tyneside VODA (0191 643 2626) for advice and funding.

Do you run a growing project, allotment association or community garden in North Shields that we have missed? Get in touch and we will add it.