Who are we?

Dalbeattie Community Allotments Association (DCAA) is a volunteer‑run community organisation dedicated to providing growing space, learning opportunities, and a welcoming environment for local residents. Our allotments, located at Biggar Gardens, have become a thriving hub for gardening, wellbeing, and community connection.

Whether you’re an experienced grower or completely new to gardening, Biggar Gardens offers a peaceful place to grow your own produce, meet friendly neighbours, and enjoy the outdoors.

Apply for an Allotment Plot

Dalbeattie Community Allotments welcomes new growers from the town and nearby areas. Plots are offered first to Dalbeattie residents, then to applicants from the surrounding area if space allows. A small number of plots may also be offered to groups working with young people or vulnerable adults.

What having a plot involves:

• Grow vegetables, soft fruit and flowers for personal use

• Following organic principles is encouraged

• Keep your plot and adjoining path tidy

• Compost where possible

• Contribute to shared site maintenance when you can

Fees and allocation:

The annual fee is £30 for a full plot (half‑plots are charged proportionally: ¾ plot £22.50 and ½ plot £15). Fees are set each year at the AGM and are payable by 28 February. Also mention the membership

Membership runs for the season from March to February the following year but members can join at any time.

For anyone taking on a new or additional plot there is a £30 retention fee that will be returned if the plot is given up in a neat and tidy state ready for new plot holder. If the plot is left in a weedy and untidy state then the £30 will not be returned.

All plot allocations are managed by the Plot Allocator or the Committee’s Executive Members. Members may hold up to two full plots on a permanent basis, with temporary one‑year plots offered only when no waiting list exists.

How to apply:

Send us:

• Your name and address

• Your contact details

• Whether you’re applying as an individual, household, or organisation

• Any access needs you’d like us to be aware of

We’ll confirm availability, waiting‑list position (if any), and next steps.

Other benefits:

Dalbeattie Allotment Association Members can apply for a 10% discount card at Dalbeattie Garden Centre,318 High Street, Dalbeattie, DG5 4DS ( Terms and conditions apply)

We raise money for local charities ( this year the Dalbeattie Initiative) by opening the site as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme national beneficiaries are: Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland, The Gardens Fund of the National Trust for Scotland and Perennial

Visit our plot page to see the plots that are currently available.

If none our available we operate a waiting list.

Visiting Biggar Gardens

Biggar Gardens is open for visitors, and we’re always happy to welcome anyone who wants to enjoy the space, explore the community areas, or simply take a peaceful walk through the gardens. The site was created to be a shared community resource, and we’re proud that so many people enjoy spending time here.

To help us keep the allotments safe, productive, and enjoyable for everyone, we ask visitors to follow a few simple guidelines:

• Please stay on the main paths when walking through the site.

• Do not enter individual allotment plots, as these are the private growing spaces of our plot holders.

• Feel free to enjoy the community areas, including the memorial garden and seating spaces.

• Be mindful of tools, wheelbarrows, and ongoing work, as the site is often busy with gardening activity.

These small courtesies help us protect the hard work of our members while keeping Biggar Gardens a welcoming place for the whole community.

Children must be supervised at all times while on site. Unaccompanied children are not permitted, and parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring that children are kept under control for their own safety and for the safety of others.

Dogs at Biggar Gardens

Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a lead at all times and remain on the main paths. Please ensure they do not enter individual plots or disturb wildlife. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and for keeping them under control throughout the visit. Please be aware there is often livestock in the fields surrounding the site, so make sure neither the animals nor your dog become distressed while you are on site.