An extensive investigation by Greenpeace has uncovered a concerning reality for aspiring gardeners and cultivators across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Nearly 175,000 individuals find themselves entangled in waiting lists for allotments, with an average waiting period of around three years, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.
The findings reveal that some have been enduring the wait for up to 15 years, demonstrating the growing demand for these precious plots of land to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
Furthermore, the waiting lists in England have more than doubled in length since 2011, intensifying the struggle for those hoping to embark on their gardening journey.
Greenpeace's investigative efforts involved sending freedom of information requests to every local authority in the aforementioned regions, which yielded a staggering 174,183 applications stuck in limbo.
The city with the most extended list was Bristol, boasting a staggering 7,630 applications, followed by Sunderland, Portsmouth, Southampton, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
These results shed light on the pressing need to address the growing demand for allotments and create more accessible opportunities for homeowners with no garden.
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