Welcome to Manchester Drive Allotment Society

How do I apply for a plot:

The best way to apply for a plot is to come and visit us on-site between 10am and 12pm on a Saturday or Sunday.

Who we are and What we do:

Manchester Drive Allotment Society (MDAS) are a group of enthusiastic Plot Holders based at Manchester Drive Allotments in Leigh-on-sea, Essex. MDAS is managed by the elected Committee, who provide facilities and activities which benefit all our members.

If you new to Allotment Gardening:

If you do not currently have an allotment, and are thinking about taking on a new allotment and would like to find out more, please read through our guide which will explain and help you understand points that you will need to consider such as Plot Sizes, Time Commitment, total estimated initial costs, and additional costs you may need to consider (tools, seeds, etc).

You should also read through the Leigh Town Council Tenancy Agreement which will explain the rules that you are require to adhere to.

Your membership:

Allows MDAS to provide the following (and many more) facilities and benefits:

• Our fantastic onsite shop well stocked with a good variety of composts, fertilizers etc good to support all your gardening/allotment needs.
• Our onsite Café, which serves delicious bacon sandwiches, alongside a selection of freshly baked cakes, and a range of hot and cold drinks.
• Regular Newsletters to keep you up to date with latest developments and upcoming events.
• Availability of powered equipment for borrowing (Lawnmower, Strimmer, Tiller and Rotovators). Maintenance and repairs carried out.
• Accessible Toilets on-site.
• Manure and Woodchip distributed around the site.
• Site Security and the gate locks.
• Maintenance of MDAS owned buildings (including the Shop and Cafe).
• General maintenance around the site (water tanks, tracks, grass cutting etc).
• Order and organise skips (usually 4 per year) for plot clearance
• Organisation of Working Parties to help improve the site.
• RHS affiliation which includes Insurance
• Leigh Horticultural Society affiliation.
• Organise Social Events throughout the year.
• Liaise between Plot Holders and LTC, lobbying as necessary on your behalf.
• Manage the letting of plots and maintain the waiting list.
• Provide help, support, and information especially for new Plotholders.

Registering with us:

During the registration process you will be asked to select your membership type. You can join as:

• As an individual Plot Holder
• As a member who regularly works on a plot owned by someone else.

Volunteering:

We rely on teams of amazing volunteers to make some of the larger improvements to the site. We provide a section on the registration form to allow you to volunteer to help in the Shop or Café, with Working Parties, and for a cleaning rota. Please consider volunteering if you can offer even just an hour or two however infrequently.

We have also included a section for volunteering your professional skills. We have prevously needed advice or help from Accountants, Doctors, Nurses, Electricians, Plumbers, Tree Surgeons, Surveyors, Builders, Decorators, and many others. If you have a skill or profession and would be willing to volunteer your services if needed, please enter any details in this section.