Allotments numbers are set to grow thanks to a triple funding boost from the Big Lottery, central government, and an environmental fund from California.

Nearly £350,000 has been awarded to the Allotments Regeneration Initiative (ARI), a national project that supports the creation new allotment sites and helps regenerate existing sites.

The grants will fund a network of mentors, who offer expert advice and support to local communities wanting to set up or rejuvenate allotment plots.

Allotments managers will also benefit from regional forums to spread good practice in allotments management and build supportive networks. ARI will oversee the Supporting Healthy Allotments programme, created with £299,000 from the Big Lottery’s local food programme.

For the first time ARI has secured funds from central government, through the Department of Communities and Local Government, to help ensure allotments are fully incorporated into the wider green spaces agenda.

The department has confirmed its' intention to provide funding for two more years.

The most unusual source of funding for the good old British allotment comes from an environmental fund based in San Francisco called the Fund for the Environmental and Urban Life.

ARI’s network co-ordinator Deborah Burn, said: “The huge popularity of allotments has resulted in a marked increase in demands for new allotment sites. As a result of this generous award from Local Food, plus funding from CLG and FUEL, communities will be better placed to have allotments that are accessible to all and bursting with locally grown food.

Jeremy Iles, director of the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, which manages the ARI project said: "There has been a huge surge in interest in growing local food, and many allotments now have waiting lists.

"ARI will offer practical support and advice to community groups and local authorities, parish councils and individuals, helping both existing allotment groups and those trying to create new sites.

Mark Wheddon, Local Food Programme manager, added: “Projects like these are crucial in our aim to make local food more accessible and affordable. With a record £50 million to distribute, the Local Food Programme will make a real difference to communities and their relationship with food.”

The Allotments Regeneration Initiative is a UK-wide partnership project created in 2002 to get more people growing on allotments.