Galleywood Meadow, Chelmsford
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10 ACRES MANAGED BY Lewis Thorn
10 Acres . 107 Allotments
AS SEEN IN THE TIMES, THE TELEGRAPH, AND THE BBC
We’re proud to be recognized as one of the UK’s leading allotment communities, praised for our innovation and impact.
Your Patch Manager, Lewis Thorn
Hiya! I’m Lewis Thorn, your patch manager at Galleywood Meadows. This is a wonderful community full of passionate growers, and I’m here to make your experience as rewarding as possible. From planting advice to connecting you with your neighbors, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Come find me for a chat—I’d love to hear about your plans for your patch!
ONLY THE BEST FOR OUR MEMBERS
We source organic seeds, tools, and products from trusted suppliers around the world to help your garden thrive.
GIANT TIPI FOR OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Your Roots tipi is the heart of the community. Come here to connect, learn, and unwind with fellow growers.
COMMUNITY FEATURES
TIME TO LOCATION
Galleywood Meadows: Chelmsford’s Sustainable Community Hub
Galleywood Meadows is Chelmsford’s space for community connection and sustainable growth. Here, gardening is a group effort, with neighbors sharing knowledge, experiences, and support. Whether you’re planting your first crop, attending a workshop, or unwinding in a yoga session, every moment at Galleywood Meadows is enriched by the people around you. This is more than a garden—it’s a place where community takes root.
We got you covered
Whats included
Curious about what comes with your Roots Allotments membership? From seeds and plug plants to tools, workshops, and expert guidance, we’ve got everything you need to grow with confidence.
Tools and Gardening Supplies
Plants & Seeds
Education & Community
Amenities & Facilities
Local Items
Seeds and Plants
Check out the seeds and plug plants we give out!
Take a look at the high-quality seeds and seasonal plug plants available for all members. Carefully selected to give you the best growing experience, they’re perfect for any gardener, no matter your skill level.
P.S. We change these every year!
A Day in the Life of a Patch Manager
See how our Patch Manager preps welcome packs, supports new members, and embraces the community spirit at Roots. From creative composting to fresh harvests, every day is full of care and connection.
We are dog friendly!
Bring your furry friend along for the journey! Roots Allotments welcomes dogs at all of our locations, because we believe they’re part of the family. Enjoy a relaxing day outdoors with your four-legged companion by your side.
Book your welcome slot
Kickstart your Roots Allotments adventure by booking your Welcome Slot. After paying the £40 joining fee, you’ll tour your patch, meet your patch manager, and receive your starter kit. Once everything’s set, you’ll be ready to start growing!
DIFFERENT PATCH SIZES
4 sizes available
Find the perfect patch for your growing journey. Whether you're just starting out or ready to expand, we have a size to suit your needs. Each patch includes everything you need to grow successfully—seeds, plug plants, tools, and expert-led workshops. Choose your ideal size and join a thriving community of growers.
Mini Patch
Ideal for parents teaching young children or those with very limited time, the Mini Patch gives you a manageable space to grow herbs, vegetables, or flowers while learning the basics of sustainable gardening. Start small and grow your skills!
Most Popular
Starter Patch
The perfect patch to start your growing journey. With enough space to grow a variety of crops, the Starter Patch is a great balance of manageability and productivity. Recommended for those ready to dive in and grow with confidence.
Couples Patch
Ready to take your growing to the next level? The Medium Patch offers more room for variety, perfect for families or ambitious gardeners who want to experiment with larger crops and companion planting.
Group Patch
For passionate growers, the Large Patch provides the ultimate space for creativity and productivity. Grow enough to share with friends and family, or embark on ambitious gardening projects. Perfect for those committed to making the most of their allotment.
Get Upto 25% discount
We believe gardening should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we’re proud to offer up to 25% off Roots Allotments memberships for those eligible under our community discount schemes. Whether you’re a student, pensioner, or part of the Blue Light community, this discount is available for the lifetime of your membership.
Discover our events
Featured Lessons
Learn from our no-dig experts and get a head start on your no-dig journey.
53 Ratings · 32 Reviews
Ss
Dave at Sugar Loaf very helpful and…
Dave at Sugar Loaf very helpful and willing to impart his knowledge. So glad I took this opportunity and looking forward to my first harvest next year
Dale Turner
Sugar loaf lane Roots allotments
We got our plot on the 24th August and we are loving it. Dave showed us around and was very welcoming and full of knowledge with lots of hints and tips. Dave is very friendly and always happy to help. We have been busy starting our new plot. Thank you Dave and Roots allotments.
Katy B
Am new to Roots Sugarloaf Fields and am…
Am new to Roots Sugarloaf Fields and am absolutely loving the great set-up and community space. Dave Cox (Site Manager) has been so helpful, especially when I was struggling to set up my brassica cage. Love it!
Mike
I've absolutely adored my time at Roots
I've absolutely adored my time at the Bristol site, it's a great community with lots of like minded people looking for a way to get into nature and grow their own food rather than rely on supermarkets. The team behind Roots have been fantastic at every opportunity! Yes it's more expensive than a council allotment but it's worth every penny!
Location
Hosted by Lewis Thorn
Patch manager since 2024
From the patch manager
Hiya! I’m Lewis Thorn, your patch manager at Galleywood Meadows. This is a wonderful community full of passionate growers, and I’m here to make your experience as rewarding as possible. From planting advice to connecting you with your neighbors, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Come find me for a chat—I’d love to hear about your plans for your patch!
Nearby Attractions
Discover the charm of Hylands House and Estate or enjoy a scenic walk along Galleywood Common. The Chelmsford Museum is also nearby for a dose of local history.
Food and Drinks
Indulge in modern British dining at The Galvin Green Man or enjoy a cozy meal at The Cricketers. For a casual coffee and cake, visit Acanteen in Chelmsford’s town center.
Safety on Site
No Glass at Our Communities
Smashed glass can cause problems not only for you and other growers but also for the wildlife that lives and thrives within our communities. Please do not bring it to our sites!
Site Closure Hours
Our solar powered gates open and close at differing times depending on daylight hours, to keep our patches safe, and so you're only tending to your patch in safe, light hours.
Toolshed Passcode
All our community tool sheds are locked via passcode, this code is only accessible through the members area and cannot be shared publically to ensure our shed/tools are safe.
Policy at Roots allotment
Creating Local Communities
At Roots Allotments, we’re committed to fostering spaces where everyone feels welcome. Our Communities bring people together through local connections, creating welcoming spaces where everyone can share knowledge and grow together. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, you belong here.
Protecting and Promoting Biodiversity
Roots Allotments is about more than just growing food—it’s about nurturing ecosystems. Every site is designed to support wildlife habitats, protect pollinators, and grow chemical-free crops that enrich the land. By working together, our members actively contribute to a thriving, biodiverse environment.
Sustainability for Future Generations
We believe that sustainable practices today create a healthier world tomorrow. Roots Allotments empowers communities to grow their own food while reducing environmental impact. From composting initiatives to organic methods, every member helps shape a greener future.
