About Us
Cultivating community since 1915
Our History
The Hospital Fields (1896-1915)
Our site was originally home to The Fever Hospital from 1896, treating local residents suffering from Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. With suburban sprawl impacting what had been the village of Golders Green, there was a growing demand from residents for open spaces.
The First Plots (October 1915)
A section of the Hospital Field was set apart for allotment gardens. The allotments were laid out by the Borough Surveyor and finally opened for cultivation in October 1915. By November 1915, 13 people had applied for plots — our humble beginnings!
World War I Expansion
Allotments came into their own during WWI. Public opinion demanded that all available land adjacent to the original site be given over to allotments. This southward extension led to an increase numbering 105 plots by war's end. Bylaws were passed to safeguard the new plots.
The Interwar Years (1929)
The East side of the site (originally known as 'The Potato Field') was reduced when the Hendon Electric Supply Company built a sub-station which still stands today. In the same year, Hendon Council converted the Hospital buildings into a works depot, and more allotment land was lost.
"Dig for Victory" (1939-1945)
During WWII and the need to "Dig for Victory", the site expanded again onto the adjacent Clitterhouse Park. At its peak, the site comprised over 350 individual plots. Competition gardening had its beginnings, with prizes offered for the most successful plot.
Self-Management (2014)
GGAA became self-managing at the end of 2014, securing a 38-year lease from The London Borough of Barnet. This marked another landmark in our history. Today we keep our allotments going for more or less the same reasons that motivated those first 13 intrepid plotholders.
Today
We consist of 3 sites: the main West side (approximately 180 plots), the East side across Hendon Way (32 plots), and Tretawn Gardens in Mill Hill (5 plots). When negotiating leases with Barnet, we took smaller sites like Tretawn under our wing to prevent them being lost forever. The typical size of an allotment plot is 10 square poles (approximately 2,700 square feet).
Our Values
Community
Building connections through shared gardening experiences and knowledge exchange.
Sustainability
Promoting organic growing practices and environmental stewardship.
Heritage
Preserving over 100 years of allotment tradition in Golders Green.
Excellence
Encouraging high standards in plot maintenance and cultivation.
Our Committee
Our volunteer committee works tirelessly to maintain the site, support members, and preserve our allotment heritage for future generations. The committee meets at least 10 times per year.
Sara Bell
Chair
Silas Kendall
Site Manager
Nick Jackson
Treasurer
Richard Rowland
Joint Plot Secretary
Devesh Vishwakarma
Joint Plot Secretary & Data Protection Officer
Raed Alzahmed
Committee Member
Jose Mourato
Committee Member
Manny Freitas
Committee Member
Esther Selsdon
Committee Member
Legal Identity & Governance
Understanding our structure, responsibilities, and the rules that keep our community thriving.
Our Organisation
Golders Green Allotment and Horticultural Association (GGAA) operates under public liability insurance provided by Builders Direct SA.
The London Borough of Barnet
LBB owns the allotment site and leases it to GGAA, which sublets to plotholders. GGAA has assumed many responsibilities previously held by the council.
Self-Management
GGAA became self-managing at the end of 2014 with a 38-year lease. A background paper was prepared by Jeremy Balcombe (plotholder), based on information from Barnet Allotment Federation.
Bonfire Rules
Bonfires are permitted between November and April, and after 4pm in October. Additionally, bonfires are allowed on the first Wednesday of July, August, and September.
Important Guidelines:
- These times are enforced by our lease and must be followed exactly
- Dense smoke and fumes are forbidden — fires producing them will be extinguished
- Never leave your fire unattended
- Plotholders who consistently ignore these rules may face eviction
Bonfires generate more neighbour complaints than any other issue. Please think carefully before lighting one.
Insurance & Governance
- GGAA holds current Employers' Liability Insurance (policy expires February 2027). A copy of the certificate is available on request or displayed at the trading hut.
- GGAA is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Registration number: ZC139776.
Join Our Community
Whether you are an experienced grower or just starting out, there is a place for you at Golders Green Allotment Association.