GEO 1315 GIS Assessment Report

Spatial Accessibility of Allotments in Greater London

Introduction:

This report evaluates the use of GIS in investigating the spatial

accessibility of allotment in Great London. The objectives are to identify

the geographic pattern of allotments accessibility in Great London, assess

the population who obtain both good and poor access. Furthermore,

exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) is operated to select the most

suitable area for the establishment of new allotments for poor allotment

access areas. Reference to the Wangs GIS report (2014), it is highlighted

that spatial analysis is required to make selections of suitable area for new

allotment.

Methods:

The sources of datasets are London Datastore and Office for National

Statistics 2011 Census which provide information about allotment

locations and population in Greater London. GIS software is used to

analysis the spatial distribution of allotment. A buffer zone of 1km in

ArcGIS is used in identifying areas of poor allotment access. ESDA

approach is taken using Google Earth, seek suitable area for new

allotments provides access in poor access areas.

Results:

Based on LSOA records, there are 4835 people, 4164 of it were living

within 1 km of an allotment. There are total 7049272 people living within

1km of an allotment, leaving 1124669 people who live more than 1 km

Figure 1: Map illustrates spatial
from an allotment. 13.8% of the population in Greater London living in
distribution and access of allotments in
areas of poor allotment access.
Greater London. Having the rhombus

Spatial distribution and symbol as location of allotment along

accessibility of Allotment in
Greater London with the red area layer representing

areas with poor access to allotments.

Sourced: London Datastore and Office for

National Statistics 2011 Census

Allotment located in Greater London

Areas of Poor access to Allotments
Greater London
It is shown that allotments in Greater London are presented however
may not be wide spread which some areas may have larger provision of
allotment, having some area with none, especially the centre of Greater
London along the River as well as South, edge of Greater London.
 Figure 2: Map shows a potential site

for a new allotment located in Cornwall

Gardens.

Figure 3: Map shows a potential site

for a new allotment located in Cornwall

Gardens and it surroundings. It is

believed that this location is suitable for

establishment of new allotment to be

place as it is accessible due to the fact

that it is near a tube station and having

apartments and residence surrounded.

Discussion:

The rationale for choosing this location is that its relatively near to the

tube station making it accessible. Moreover, it is in Kensington where no

allotment is identified in the area (Environment Committe, 2006) In the

case study of Edmonton, Canada, having community gardens located in

area clustering with similar forms of provision can be a problem in this

case too. (Wang, et al., 2014) Which may leave uneven access of
allotment in London. Statistically proven that there is 14% more allotment

located in the outer London (Crouch, 1997) indicate that the area need

increase allotment provision. Allotments are identified as positive

contributions to urban health, provides the chance to get away from the

stresses of life.(Ward & Crouch, 1994) It may reduce food miles along

with promoting urban biodiversity. (London Wildlife Trust, 1998) (Garnett,

2000)Therefore, by having new allotment here will increase spatial

accessibility of allotment significantly, further improve urban health and

conserving urban biodiversity.

To further assess the suitability of the selected site, surveys can be done

to identify the demand for allotment in the area. This will allow

assessment of whether the location and the size of the allotment designed

to provide enough supply to the area. It is also important to assure that

the area is not vulnerable or under-protection of any kind for allotment to

be located.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, large areas are illustrated to have poor access to allotments

in Greater London, hence locating new allotment in potential areas like the

Cornwall garden will improve accessibility for many. It is a suitable site for

new allotment which not only brings access to residents but also includes

other value added. Yet, to ensure further assessment are required.

Reference list

Crouch, D., 1997. Engliah allotments survey: report of the joint survey of
allotments in England, s.l.: National society of Allotment and Leisure
Gardeners.

Environment Committe, 2006. A Lot to Lose: London's disappearing

allotments, London: Greater London Authority .

Garnett, T., 2000. Urban Agriculture in London: rethinking our food

economy. In: N. Bakker, et al. eds. Growing Cities Growing Food: Urban
Agriculture on the Policy Agenda: a Reader on Urban Agriculture.
Feldafing: Deutsche Stiftung fr Internationale Entwicklung, pp. 477-500.

London Wildlife Trust, 1998. Written evidence to the DETR select

committees enquiry into the future for allotments, London: London
Wildlife Trust.

Wang, H., Qiu, F. & Swallow, B., 2014. Can community gardans and
farmers' markets relieve food desert problems? A study of Edmonton,
Canada. Applied Geography, 55( ), pp. 127-137.

Ward, C. & Crouch, D., 1994. The allotment: Its landscape and culture.
ed. : Mushroom Bookshop.