Keeping animals

Allotment guidelines

You’re allowed to keep hens (not cockerels), rabbits, and bees on your allotment, but there are rules to follow to make sure the animals are well cared for and don’t cause problems for others.

Chickens and rabbits

Rabbits: You don’t need permission to keep rabbits, but you must register them with your local council.

Chickens: You need to register chickens with both your local council and Defra (Department for environment, food & rural affairs).

How to register

Council: download and complete the council's livestock registration form (PDF or word document), then send it to the contact details provided below.

Defra: register online

Register with Defra

Chickens

To keep chickens you must register them with the council and with Defra.

You don't need permission to have a henhouse or rabbit hutch, but the structure must follow the allotment rules and meet animal welfare standards.

• Hens need enough space. The RSPCA recommends 0.4m² per bird (up to 12 birds in a standard-sized henhouse).
• Rabbits should be kept in pairs or groups and need space to move and exercise.
• Clean water must be available at all times.
• Housing must be kept clean and in good condition.

Additional guidance

Livestock care on your allotment
RSPCA guidance on hens
RSPCA guidance on rabbits

Bees

You must get written permission before keeping bees on your plot. Send your completed application form to the details below. You’ll also need to show that you have experience and training in beekeeping.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Proof of a beekeeping qualification or at least one year of hands-on experience
• Public liability insurance of £5 million
• A sketch showing where the hives will go, including a screen and water supply
• Two emergency contact numbers (to be displayed on your plot)
• Proof of registration with the National bee unit

Application form

Things to consider before applying:

• Hives should be placed near the centre of your plot, away from paths, roads, or neighbouring plots.
• A 2-metre-high screen must surround the hives to guide bees to fly upwards.
• You must provide a water source near the hives.
• You’ll need to visit regularly and wear protective clothing.
• A maximum of three hives is permitted per acre of land. Full-sized plots may have up to three hives, although this number may be reduced depending on the allotment site.

The council may refuse or withdraw permission if the bees cause a nuisance or if the location isn’t suitable. 

If they are aggressive, they must be re-queened with a gentler strain. The deliberate introduction of aggressive strains of bees will constitute a breach of your tenancy agreement and could result in the termination of your tenancy or a ban on keeping animals on your allotment plot.