Biodiversity and your plot

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Biodiversity is encouraged on all Haringey allotment sites. We have a wonderfully biodiverse set of sites in Haringey, and we aim to maintain and enhance these.

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What is biodiversity and why does it matter?

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Biodiversity is a measure of the variety of species, habitats, and ecosystems on the planet. On our allotment sites it's the variety of trees and plants, animals and insects, and microorganisms in the air, soil, and water.

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Biodiversity matters because it is essential for human life and a flourishing countryside. It underpins the food we eat and the air we breathe. We depend on biodiversity for protection from pollution, flooding, and climate breakdown.

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As custodians of allotments, we have a golden opportunity to contribute to local biodiversity through how we choose to maintain our sites and plots. 

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What can I do to enhance biodiversity while making sure my plot is 75% productive?

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It is our duty to make sure we are using 75% of the space on our plots to actively grow fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

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What can I do in my 75% productive area?

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In this area we can include composting areas and necessary paths. 

We can maximise biodiversity in any way which also enhances the productivity of our plots, for example: 

Companion planting (marigolds, nasturtiums, roses, etc), vertical growing of squashes,  tomatoes, cucumbers etc, homemade fertilisers and composts (nettle / comfrey teas, wormeries, etc), variety of species of plant (heritage, organic, unusual), experimenting with new approaches (no-dig, lunar, permaculture, etc), seed collection and sharing, using recycled and compostable seed trays and pots, recycling matting and netting as far as possible

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What can I do on the other 25% of my plot?

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On the other 25% of our plot, we might have a shed or other structure (please see Haringey Council's Guidance here). There is also potential here for a living roof, and water harvesting via a water butt.

Nature-friendly projects here might also include:

a small pond (check with your site insurance), stick pile, bug hotel, controlled area of long grass, bat box, bird box, and / or hedgehog den.

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What about pest control? (TBC)

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