The Occupational Significance Of Allotment Gardening

Introduction
Allotments have featured in UK society since the Industrial Revolution. Allotment popularity has
fluctuated although evidence indicates increased demand (Campbell and Campbell, 2009).

It is suggested that gardening activities and specifically those on an allotment promote individual
wellbeing. ('Choosing Health' Great Britain, Department of Health, 2004).

Examining the significance of an occupation from the participant’s perspective can indicate
individual motivation and experiences of wellbeing.

Aim
The aim of the research was to identify the motivating components of allotment gardening as an
occupation in order to examine its significance to individual well being.

Method
The University of Plymouth Health and Social Science Ethics Committee provided ethical
approval. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as the research approach
(Smith et al, 2009), semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from four
participants (three female, one male). All participants regularly attended their allotments, located
in South East England. Analysis was completed through close reading of transcripts and themes
emerged through progressive levels of abstraction.

Results
The allotment experience was described as positive (providing relaxation, escape, improved
wellbeing) and challenging (personal difficulties, communal difficulties). The allotment
experience was personal (adult-child relationships, allotments and food, being with nature, self
development) and communal (social opportunities, allotment development, community
development).

Conclusion
The results suggested that the occupation of allotment gardening contributes to personal
wellbeing through providing opportunities for individual and communal activities. From an
Occupational Therapy perspective this highlights how maximum therapeutic benefit can be
gained from maintaining an allotment.

References
Campbell, M. and Campbell, I. (2009) A Survey of Allotment Waiting Lists In England, Corby,
NSALG
Great Britain. Department of Health (2004) Choosing Health: Making Healthy Choices Easier,
London: The Stationery Office (Cm6374)
Smith, J.A., Flowers, P. and Larkin, M. (2009) Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis:
Theory, Method and Research, London: Sage Publications