Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:07 Page 1 Allotment and Leisure Gardener Issue No 1 • 2011
Composting page 17 Beekeeping page 20 NSALG Survey page 24
National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners PROTECT PROMOTE PRESERVE £2 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:07 Page 2
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Contact details Allotment and Leisure Gardener Issue 1 • 2011
Head Office Secretary: Mrs D McDaid Administration: Mrs K Maher, Mrs E McInally & Mr I Blaikie 15 17 Legal Advisor: Mrs Liz Bunting Officers of the Society President: Mr C Nickerson Chairman: Mr A Rees MBE Vice Chairman: Mrs S Fleetwood Treasurer: Mr D Rawlings Local Authority Representative Cllr Mrs J Wood Standing Orders Committee Acting Chairman: Mr I Crawford Mr P Lofts, Mr D Gibbs Design, Print and Advertising Sales Crest Publications 20, Moulton Park Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton, NN3 6AP Tel: 01604 670820 email: [email protected]
Front cover 'Jack & Ron' from Mottram Allotments
PLEASE NOTE: NSALG enquiries should be made to: Head Office, O’Dell House, Hunters Road, Corby, Northants NN17 5JE Tel: 01536 266576 Fax: 01536 264509 email: [email protected] web: www.nsalg.org.uk 30 33 SUBMISSIONS ADVICE Letters and articles for publication should be sent to: NSALG Head Office CLOSING DATES: Issue 2 2011: 18/3/2011 Magazine Submissions: All submissions MUST be typewritten and sent by post or email to Head Office. Articles should be limited to 600 words. We will wherever possible include articles that are sent in by post but cannot guarantee their inclusion. When submitting articles, please provide name, addresss, phone number and e-mail address if applicable. If submitting by e-mail, the subject line should read ‘NSALG magazine’. 38 44 Photographs and images: Ideally your images should be of good resolution, 300dpi (photos taken with In this issue… mobile phones are not good enough quality). Send photos via email preferably Regions & reps...... 4 AROUND THE REGIONS or originals in the post (photocopies / Chairman’s Comments ...... 5 Northern...... 29 printed copies will not be used). Legal ...... 7 Yorkshire ...... 33 Letters...... 8 North West...... 37 If you need help with any of the above Book Review...... 10 East Midlands ...... 43 please call Jayne at Crest Publications West Midlands ...... 47 FEATURES on: 01604 495495 or email: Eastern...... 49 Little Growers...... 13 [email protected] South East ...... 50 Life imitates art ...... 15 South West ...... 51 NSALG Management Committee, Officers, Editor and Publishers, Composting ...... 17 do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors Wales ...... 53 to this magazine and do not accept any r esponsibility for any Diary of a Beekeeper ...... 20 errors in transmission in the subject matter of this publication. All advertisements ar e included in good faith and NSALG Mike Thurlow Competitions/Giveaway ...... 25 Management Committee, Officers, Editor and Publishers, cannot therefore accept any r esponsibility for any services of fered by Answers your Questions...... 22 advertisers. No part of this publication may be r eproduced without express written permission of the Society and Publishers. Survey...... 24
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Regions and reps
NORTHERN Northumbrland and Tyne and Wear • County Durham • Cleveland • Cumbria • Scotland Mr Peter Horrocks 6 Moor Road North, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 1AD Tel: 0191 285 6412 Email: [email protected]
YORKSHIRE North Yorkshire • West Yorkshire • South Yorkshire • Parts of Humberside Peter Horrocks Mr Tony Heeson Regional Rep 25 The Broadway, Balby, Doncaster DN4 9BS Mr Tony Heeson Tel: 01302 851557 • Email: [email protected] Regional Rep
NORTH WEST Lancashire • Greater Manchester • Merseryside • Cheshire Mr David Morris 54 Princes Boulevard, Wirral, Merseryside CH63 5LW Tel: 0151 512 3882 • Email: [email protected]
EAST MIDLANDS Lincolnshire • Nottinghamshire • Derbyshire • Leicestershire • Northamptonshire Mrs Shirley Fleetwood Mr D Morris 1 Veronica Drive, Carlton, Nottingham NG4 3QS Regional Rep Tel: 0115 952 6920 • Email: [email protected] Mrs S Fleetwood Regional Rep WEST MIDLANDS Staffordshire • West Midlands • Warwickshire • Shropshire • Herefordshire • Worcestershire Mr Maurice Lander 4 Franciscan Road, Coventry CV3 6HB Tel: 02476 502362 • Email: [email protected]
EASTERN Buckinghamshire • Norfolk • Suffolk • Cambridgeshire • Bedfordshire • Hertfordshire • Essex and parts of London Mrs Karen Kenny 197 Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 5DA Mr Maurice Lander Tel: 07712 766916 • Email: [email protected] Regional Rep Karen Kenny SOUTH EAST Regional Rep Kent and parts of London • Surrey • Sussex Mr Peter Neame 46 Sunnyhill Road, Herne Bay CT6 8LU Tel: 01227 362321 or 07742915297 Email: [email protected]
SOUTHERN Oxfordshire • Berkshire • Wiltshire • Gloucestershire • Hampshire • Isle of Wight Mr Tim Cann 8 Nicholas Avenue, Old Marston, Oxford OX3 0RN Mr Peter Neame Tel: 01865 202104 • Email: [email protected] Regional Rep SOUTH WEST Mr Tim Cann Dorset • Avon • Somerset • Devon • Cornwall Regional Rep Mr Alan Cavill 6 Pinney Close, Comeytrowe, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4NW Tel: 07748 178964 • Email: [email protected]
WALES Glamorganshire • Gwent • Dyfed • Powys • Clywd Mr Allan Rees MBE 77 Eustace Drive, Bryncethin, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan CF32 9EX Tel: 01656 721865 • Email: [email protected] Allan Cavill Regional Rep 4 Mr A Rees MBE Regional Rep Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:08 Page 5
Head Office Chairman’s Comments
Whilst writing these comments temperatures are sub-zero, On a more positive note I am pleased to snow is still holding and in some areas up to two feet in depth report that there are local authorities with more on the way. Hopefully by the time you read this we who are looking to provide extra land for will be having milder weather but in the meantime keep warm allotments within the 1908 legislation. I and safe especially for those of you who are unable to get out. would commend Caerphilly County Borough Council for their valiant Although the year has been hectic we have gone from strength approach to allotment provision. In to strength increasing membership and continuing to offer legal three areas they are either reclaiming assistance to some societies who are in extreme difficulties. land let for another purpose, or The new legal advisor in the office, Liz Bunting has been extending allotments on to land not designated as such. One inundated with requests for information and assistance in all parcel that was considered for housing is now being matters legal. May I remind you that information we give has to appropriated for allotments; within Wales a community council be within the bounds of the legislation and may not always be recently purchased land at an auction for allotment purposes. favourable to the member concerned? Several years ago there This proves that councils can provide statutory allotments and was a situation where we received advice from a Barrister that a were doing so in 2010. member was not happy with, advice we had given, so we suggested that member should look for their own advice. National Allotment Gardens Trust was initially set up as a Needless to say after consulting with several legal companies registered charity and is now going to manage and facilitate the member found someone who agreed with their interpretation some training courses especially designed for those members of the law. Putting it into perspective in some instances, where who have recently taken over as Chairman, Secretary or the legislation is challenged, it is for the judge or the magistrates Treasurer; existing committee members will also benefit. A to make a judgement, which is then followed by our lawyers. pilot workshop will be held in the Birmingham area in the New Ultimately as an organisation we can only act on advice from our Year and we will hopefully expand the programme to other legal people and up to now it has been good. areas in the near future. Local participation is essential for the success of this project and your support will be greatly After a tremendous amount of consultation and negotiations with welcomed. several insurance bodies, the scheme offered by Hiscox was the best option at the time. However we know that members are I would to thank the Southport Show and the Yorkshire concerned as some of the options do not suit everyone. May I Federation for inviting me to their regions. assure you that we will continue to look at every available option Allan Rees MBE and will endeavour to ensure a better deal next year.
There have been numerous calls made to the office and myself regarding insurance: can I remind everyone that insurance is www.directbulbs.co.uk just one of the benefits of being a member of NSALG. All our Call us 01962 840038 members are important to us: it is the allotment holder we Email: [email protected] represent as a Society, and together we are the voice of the allotment movement. Head Office is diligent in making your voice heard, and has been involved in negotiations with DCLG (Department for Communities and Local Government) as the Big Society shapes up. Not only Head Office staff, but our Regional Representatives work voluntarily to assist and advise members in their areas. As stated in previous comments, our legal costs will reach an all-time high. We are always on hand to offer whatever assistance we can, it is not always what you wish to hear but sometimes we need to take the rough with the smooth.
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THE NATIONAL VEGETABLE SOCIETY Who are we? The NVS was formed on 26th February 1960 with the aim of helping gardeners improve the standard of growing vegetables. Today the NVS is organised into five branches i.e. Scottish, Northern, Welsh, Midlands and Southern covering the entire UK and is helping almost 3,000 members get the best from their gardens. What the NVS can offer you... Contact with almost 3,000 like minded people who can help you grow better vegetables.
Quarterly 64 page magazine, containing useful information, news and articles on all aspects of growing vegetables, which also includes the five branch newsletters, dealing with local news, shows, events, lectures, visits and seminars.
An extensive DVD library, on many aspects of growing and showing vegetables, available for purchase by members. For further details please contact our DVD Distribution Executive, Gordon Francis on 01622-710486, or e-mail at [email protected]
Directory containing a wealth of handy information & contacts
The opportunity to become a qualified lecturer or certified national vegetable judge.
For further information contact
Mr. G Cathro FNVS Joint Membership Registrar for Scottish, Northern and Welsh areas on 01382-580394 or [email protected]
Mr Neil Hope FNVS Joint Membership Registrar for Midlands and Southern Areas on 01932-844183 or [email protected]
or visit www.nvsuk.org.uk Images: www.thinkvegetables.co.uk
Annual Membership fees £17 Individuals £5 Juniors (up to 16 years) £19 Societies/Couples
Name ......
Address......
......
...... Postcode ......
Telephone...... Email ......
I/We enclose a cheque for subscription ......
Additional donation if desired ...... Total ......
N Signed ...... Date ...... Send your coupon to: Mr G Cathro FNVS, 14 Dronley Road, Birkhill, Dundee DD2 5QD or Mr N Hope FNVS, 82 Hare Hill, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 1DN NSALG
6 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:08 Page 7
legal A guide to Legal Structures for Voluntary Organisations
By Liz Bunting Legal Representative, NSALG
Most organisations and community groups start off on a very • Trusts can raise funds and borrow money to fulfil their aims. small scale but in all organisations it is advisable to have a clear • Trusts may carry out trading activites that are consistent with set of rules, defining the aims, objectives and responsibilities of their objects. the group and the individuals who are involved with it. • Administering trusts is relatively simple and cheap. Accounts must be kept according to trust law. There are four common types of legal structure and a number of other, less common, legal forms. The most common are: Disadvantages • Trusts have to register with the Charity Commission. • An Unincorporated Association – this is a simple membership • Trusts are unincorporated, so trustees may be personally structure and is often suitable for smaller organisations with liable for contracts entered into on behalf of the group and any lower risk activities and a membership. losses resulting from their actions. • Trusts are non-democratic: they have simple structures with • A Charitable Trust – this is a traditional structure often used few trustees and and no members. by grant making trusts or smaller service providing • Transferring property can be difficult and expensive. organisations that generally do not have a membership. A Company Limited by Guarantee does not have shares or • Company Limited by Guarantee – this type of structure is shareholders and cannot distribute profits. It has members registered with Companies House and is often suitable for who pay a subscription and are each liable for a limited sum if larger organisations that employ staff, own buildings and have the company is wound up. The Companies Act lays down rules significant contracts or other responsibilities. governing meetings, accounts and audits. A Limited Company has special governing documents, called the Memorandum and • Industrial and Provident Society (IPS) – this is a corporate Articles of Association. body like a company but registered with the Financial Services Authority. Advantages • Limited companies are incorporated bodies so the Unincorporated Organisations have no separate legal identity organisation has separate legal identity and can hold property and by law are regarded as a collection of individuals. In this and take legal action in its own name. instance it cannot acquire property or enter into contracts in its • Members personal liability is limited, unless they act own name: individual members or officers of the group may be fraudulently, or in breach of trust. A limited company can also held liable for debts of the group. Most small voluntary and register as a charity if its objects are exclusively charitable. community groups fall into this category: generally they will have a small committee, simple constitution and a bank Disadvantages account in the name of the group. • Regulated by Companies House. • Annual returns need to be submitted to Companies House. Advantages • Have to notify Companies House of any changes of • Can be set up quickly and cheaply. committee members. • The group can be relatively independent with no obligations • Need to keep a register of members. to provide any information outside. Flexibility: group can be as democratic as required. It can be Industrial Provident Societies wound up quickly and easily, usually by a general meeting of Groups which carry on a trade or business may register under the association’s members. the Industrial Provident Societies Act 1965, provided they are either a bona fide co-operative or are acting for the community Disadvantages benefit. • No legal identity. • Association cannot take legal action or take out any form of Advantages contract in its own name: must appoint individuals. • There should be no legal fees for registration • Members of the association’s management group may be • It is relatively simple to convert from an Industrial Provident liable for debts incurred by the group. Society to a Company Limited by Guarantee. • Industrial and Provident Societies which benefit the A Charitable Trust is a special kind of unincorporated community may qualify for charitable status. association. Generally set up to administer money or property or both. This kind of trust will have a basic structure, a small Disadvantages group of trustees who manage in accordance with the trust • Registration is a slower process and governing documents deed. are subject to more scrutiny than are charities. • Registration is more costly than for Companies. Advantages • Winding up process can be complex and Confusing. • Trusts can be set up quickly and fairly cheaply.
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We have had many responses to Simon Beavis’ letter in ALG Letters 4. 2010 on ‘How to run an allotment’. We apologise if you have taken the time to submit your thoughts and apologise if your letter has not been published. The following are just a Firs Estate Allotments Derby selection Publicity Editor, NSALG Although Simon Beavis makes some valid comments in his reply to ‘How to run an allotment’ (p7 issue 4. 2010) he does, however, omit some crucial facts. often the only way to kill a tree stump successfully. What is then left is a nitrogen rich organic compound which soil organisms He refers to Rachel Carson’s book ‘The Silent Spring,’ which did thrive upon (the Ammonium is broken down into nitrogen). This is give an inspiring account of the damage caused to our natural not a highly toxic compound likely to find its way into our food environment by the reckless spraying of pesticides, especially chain. Ammonium sulphamate has been successfully used in DDT. However, in the book she claimed that DDT caused cancer several major UK projects by organisations like the British Trust and liver damage even though there was never any shred of for Conservation Volunteers, English Heritage, the National Trust evidence and it has since been proved that it does not cause and various railway, canal and waterways authorities. Several cancer. However, it led to a worldwide ban on the use of it which years ago the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA) proved disastrous. Her motives were genuine; the science was (known as Garden Organic), published an article on Ammonium wrong. The importance of DDT during the 1939-45 war in sulphamate after a successful set of herbicide trials. Though not controlling insects and insect-borne diseases among troops on approved for use by organic growers it did provide an option both sides and the millions of lives it saved cannot be when alternatives have failed. The withdrawal of this product will exaggerated. Unfortunately we still have some modern day Rachel have a most detrimental effect in the eradication of pernicious Carsons that have the right motives but not the right science. weeds and stumps.
Due to the demands of war the production of white arsenic Sodium chlorate in itself was only ever useful in situations (arsenious oxide) was sent worldwide, some 80,000 tons of it. where no growth was required at all, never in the vicinity of After the war this dropped sharply to an estimated 43,000 tons. crops, other plants or water courses etc. It utilised the reverse This reflected the progressive replacement of lead and calcium osmosis method of herbicide use, and although it was residual arsenical insecticides by organic insecticides such as DDT which in its actions, careful usage in suitable situations was not had effectively stopped the country from being buried in white considered harmful. arsenic. If Simon Beavis reads the history of DDT he will find it was not the use of it that caused any problems it was the abuse of it. The reason Ammonium sulphamate has been withdrawn is because it has become too costly for manufacturers to prove its The main reason why pesticides are withdrawn is not because effectiveness, which means they cannot apply and pay for it to they are deemed dangerous, as Simon Beavis would have us be licenced under EU law: it has nothing to do with its safety. believe it is the strict regulations and the cost of the licence to The cost of the licence is prohibitive. The giants in chemical produce them. He is quite right when he says there is no safe production are making millions selling us products they have chemical, but what is safe? A lot of organic controls are, or can licenced, these companies also have licences in some cases to be, very dangerous and there is no control over them, it is a grow GM crops. As no one company could have sole licencing case of ‘suck it and see’. Soot is a known carcinogenic and for this product, which is the money spinner, it was therefore there are no regulations over its use. Soot was first associated unprofitable to continue to produce. with scrotal cancer and other skin cancers among chimney sweeps in 1775. ‘All things are poisonous and nothing is It is all too easy to throw over the accusations over without poison, the dose makes the poison’ wrote Paracelsus. aminopyralid, but again, commercial growers and farmers have found this to be a very effective control for pernicious Aminopyralid posed no threat to human or animal health and dicotinous weed growth on grassland and grazing: we should gardeners should always find out if any herbicides have been really be more concerned over the chemicals we are feeding used on manure supplied to them. This information would have the grazers that produce that magic manure, antibiotics, been supplied to anyone using aminopyralid. The same hormones etc. These all eventually find their way into our chemical is now back on the market with clear drinking water...... Aminopyralid has no detrimental effect on recommendations and instructions. human or animal health, and has undergone extensive scientific research worldwide. Our standard of living has been vastly improved: we are living longer and medicines contribute to a better quality of life, all Finally, Rachel Carson wrote her book Silent Spring in a direct thanks to chemicals. response to intensive farming practices in the USA, which had Rob Foster FNVS been developed since the Second World War. Farming on a Garden writer and broadcaster, Mansfield vast scale produced prairies of crops, hedges were grubbed out, all in the name of food production. Herbicides and In response to ‘How to run an allotment’ pesticides were used extensively, many never used in the UK. May I please, as a qualified horticulturalist, make a response to The direct result of these practices meant that there were no a letter sent by Simon Beavis of Firs Estate Allotments? habitats for wildlife to thrive in certain parts of the growing states of the USA. Here in the UK there has always been a I appreciate the fact that "organic" growing has become a stand off between intensive farming and conservation groups, somewhat debatable subject. I can see the pro's and the con's but the fact is we need to produce food for a growing for both growing without any chemical intervention and for population, and traditional methods will never produce using products which may be available, both to the amateur sufficient crops to sustain these populations. I personally, and professional. However, there are a couple of points I wish having a plot riddled with horsetail, bindweed, and bramble to clarify which Mr Beavis raised. would love a magic wand in getting rid, but I would like to have the choice of how I am able to deal with these menaces, and Regarding the withdrawal of Ammonium sulphamate; this has having the choice is what counts. been used successfully for very many years for the eradication of Tina Kendall stubborn weeds such as dock, bramble etc. More effectively, it is Queens Road B Allotment Association, Secretary.
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Potato article – Issue 2. 2010
Dear Sir,
I read with interest your article on potatoes in Issue 2. 2010
My ‘system’ of cultivation on my allotment for potatoes to follow brasicas is to rotovate to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, leaving a firm base. I put a sprinkle of Growmore with tubers/chits upwards, covered by 4 to 6 inches of FYM. The fine tilth is forked over to make rows 2ft 3ins apart.
About three years ago I warned my friends at the horticultural society meeting about the dangers of aminopyralid, not realising that I had a heap of horse/stable manure 200yds from my home garden. With the wet spring and work on the roads to the allotments making the use of heavy farm machinery difficult, I used the horse manure as I could take it with my small car trailer to the plot for my potatoes and 50 dahlias, only to discover my mistake as the foliage soon told me.
I did not expect any results but with the chance of blight spreading, the soil very dry and looking forward to seeing the back of them, I decided to lift them. ‘HERBICIDE’ and nothing to do with the Harvest Festival this weekend so I found the following results: DESIREE – cultivation. someone is on my side. a more than satisfactory crop. VALOR Ray Fardon SEED – I have been grown four years I now understand it has been reissued 64 years Professional Gardener running, superb tubers. CARA – an under strict control?? (Private) outstanding crop. All clean, smooth and Present Allotment (1 chain) Since 1955 no slugs etc. I really cannot believe the The Dahlias recovered well, some result but feel certain it must be from excellent blooms will be seen at our
Congratulations on the My odd magazine! looking veg I am writing to congratulate you on the revamped Allotment & Dear NSALG, Leisure gardener magazine. You have made it a members’ magazine as well as upping the quality and range of I have sent you a photo that I advertising, and I think you have done a very good job. thought may be of interest. In the last edition of ALG I realise that whilst we have a superb partnership with our Town magazine we were encouraged Council, many have gone much further in other ways and the to share our odd and unusual articles published are an excellent way of inspiring Societies fruit and vegetables. and Associations to better things. Yours This is a Siamese cucumber or Christopher Leffler a 2 for the price of 1 cucumber Hon.Sec Felixstowe Society of Allotment and Leisure which I have grown in my Gardeners allotment greenhouse. www.onesuffolk.co.uk/FelixstoweAllotmentAss Mr G Charlton Cwmbran, Wales
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Book Reviews How to Store Your Home Thoughtful Gardening By Ed Ikin Grown Produce Publishers: National Trust Books Price: £14.99 By John & Val Harrison Publishers: Constable & Robinson The title sounds rather cerebral and the Paperback design of the book tends to support RRP. £6.99 this impression, but it is really down- to-earth, entertaining and helpfully Growing your own is a great way of having wonderful, seasonal instructive. vegetables and fruit but most will know that there is often a glut of such and although we eat well (and so do most of our Ed Ikin is head gardener at Nymans in families, friends and neighbours), there is often much produce Sussex, one of the National Trust’s most left which sometimes goes to waste. spectacular gardens, and he certainly knows what he is talking about as he covers a wide range of horticultural facts and offers Many of us will make jams and chutney etc. Some will venture lots of sound advice. further into bottling and wine making but often we are left wondering ‘how?’ with a pile of slowly maturing produce. Did you know, for instance, that a teaspoon of typical ‘wild’ soil can hold up to one billion microbes from hundreds of different This book contains a wealth of information covering almost all species, many of which have evolved alongside specific plants commonly grown produce. From their efforts over 30 years, with which they have formed an inextricable relationship of John and Val share their knowledge and experience of growing mutual benefit? No? Thought not! and storing, and you will never waste another tomato or courgette again. At the very outset the author makes it clear that he believes in working with nature and gardening with minimal intervention, Aspects from earlier methods – including even drying and but he is absolutely opposed to the scruffiness, old car tyres, salting, to modern methods of freezing and bottling - offer the carpets and nettles that are the trade mark of so many would- reader choices for preferred techniques. All are discussed fully be organic and wildlife gardeners. and together with tried and tested recipes the book allows you to discover how easy it is to bottle, dry, freeze or even salt your However, there is plenty of practical advice on how an attractive produce. and productive vegetable plot should be managed, what to grow, how to grow it, how to look after the soil and control Some of the best produce to grow and store are discussed at pests and diseases. It is probably worth reading the book for length so you can also plan what you grow and hence what you the short but clear section on crop rotation alone. Of course, want to preserve to ensure that your carefully grown crops will every allotment gardener knows about the control of common last for months and feed your family when the garden is bare. yet persistent diseases by crop rotation but, let us be honest, very few of us practise it. Mr. Ikin’s book would be worth the The layout of the book makes it easy to read and includes money if it did no more than encourage us to start. reference to health and safety and what caused food to deteriorate in the first place. It discusses the different places to It is a bit depressing, though, that Thoughtful Gardening, like so store your preserved food to maximise your efforts. many of our current books, should need to be printed half a world away in China. With a healthy assortment of good recipes along with weight GC and measure charts this book also contains attractive illustrations and is printed on a substantial paper which will also bear the brunt of stained and sticky fingers. JL
The A-Z of many descriptions of composting methods and techniques and a brief history of Companion Planting. A 27 page section Companion on the good the bad and the ugly of natural life in the average garden precedes the final titbit, some 37 pages of actual data Planting on which plants are friends to each other and which are not. By Jayne Neville There are some interesting facts to be learned within the Publisher: The Good Life Press book, but I also found the typesetting somewhat irritating 125 pages with words being split over pages, and paragraphs having Price: £9.99 their final lines in the next column. I also wish that the modern habit of printing in black ink over faintly coloured The majority of this book could be better entitled, images beneath the print would cease. ‘The A to Z of Organic Gardening For Beginners’. It is definitely angled towards novice gardeners in the field of At the price, I guess value for money for a new gardener. organic gardening, with major sections on soil preparation, PJH
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Urban Beekeeping
A Guide to Keeping Bees in the City By Craig Hughes Published by the Good Life Press Ltd ISBN 978 1 90487 1 699 Price £16.99
This paperback book has a title which does not truly reflect the contents, for you learn much more than how to keep bees in the city.
Aimed at the novice or those ‘just interested’, all of the basic information you need is here to get you started with your first hive. Guiding you through the beekeeping year, Craig Hughes writes as though he is chatting to you over a cup of strong tea. Amongst the down-to-earth advice there are sprinkled anecdotes which reflect his 30 years of experience as a beekeeper.
Everything is covered, from buying your hive to extracting your honey, bee anatomy and diseases, hive management, swarm control, which plants to grow, jobs for the year.... it is a great starter book with some decent photographs and you receive a good overview of what to expect. If you are also interested in bee history, folk-lore and myths, carry on to the end of the book!
As a guide to Craig’s chatty, honestly written, no nonsense style, may I quote the following: “What is honey? Honey is basically bees’ vomit. I try not to say this too often to too many folks because it puts people, especially children, off and lowers my sales considerably.” HC. /// // Silent Spring / /585/ // " &/ / 8-,,-, By Rachel Carson ! "' / 1,0)0/ Publishers: Penguin Modern Classics " ' 386 pages, Soft Back Available from Amazon First Published in 1962
When this book was first published Rachel Carson was suffering terminally with cancer. She was a beautiful, intelligent lady and was employed as a biologist by the US State Department. She cared passionately about the 54325)00/ 554 environment, having seen mass poisoning of wild life by the 54325)00/ 5544325)00/ 4325)00/ application of chemicals. Major chemical companies, as you can imagine, tried to suppress this book but she was very well informed and had / // ' $ " $! checked her facts scrupulously. . ./ $ $$ ' // "$! ""#" Silent Spring was largely responsible for the banning of DDT ./ //! $ ""% / '& !"" " $! (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and PCB’s (Polychlorinated ./ ""!#" // " '$'"#' $%& Biphenols). Rachel also declared the dangers of organic ./ //!"& !&% / / " % !&%#" &#' phosphates and chlorinated hydrocarbons, of which the latter / //"&!#!&% ! " $$## //" '& $$ !& $$## '& group aminopyralid falls into. .
This is a very readable book presented in a way that can be 8887654325710736/888887654325710736//./-,+0-,++00*654325710736/654325710736//./15))(/15))( /! ! ! ! ! ! ! easily understood. ML 11 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:08 Page 12
UP TO of watering ™ SL 1.2 AS E F H R watering E E area SPYDER for up to m 2
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12 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:09 Page 13
Little Growers keep growing! 2
Since Little Growers last featured in the NSALG fed, requiring no power or pumps and ensure that the plants magazine they now have 27 fully fledged school are watered all year round, avoiding the crucial difficulty growing projects across the UK. Little Growers has for teachers of watering in the holidays and at weekends. also recently spread worldwide with three new school schemes in Japan, one in Thailand and thirty six Little Growers has recently established an interactive soon to start in the Maldives, with their horticultural Online Community which acts as a showcase for education projects flourishing in a range of the charity’s work, where schools document climates and cultures. their progress and share their growing experiences with schools across the the For those who didn’t see Little Growers in a globe. To visit the Online Community go past issue of NSALG magazine, they are a to: http://www.littlegrowers.co.uk/schools horticultural education charity that works with a range of schools to facilitate growing at all levels to teach children where At present Little Growers are in the final stages of National food comes from and the importance of eating healthy fresh Lottery funding, if awarded funding they will be setting up 120 produce. Their projects vary in size with the produce and new projects across England, to keep up to date on their growing areas being used across the curriculum from eco clubs, progress please join their newsletter at: to cooking produce in food technology, to selling it at local http://www.littlegrowers.co.uk/latest-news/join-the-newsletter farmers’ markets. Schools are provided with a range of equipment including polytunnels, raised beds and most Little Growers are extremely proud of their schools; they show importantly the AutoPot irrigation systems. These are gravity that from the equipment provided, projects can grow into life changing and vast initiatives that have a huge positive impact not only upon students but the wider local community. The Little Growers projects provide schools with a means of engaging children in where their food comes from, at the same time increasing confidence and teamwork, allowing a new and memorable working environment outside the classroom, promoting sustainable ways of living for the next generation and are a fun form of learning that can be incorporated across the existing curriculum.
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13 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:09 Page 14
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE DIGGING MADE EASY If you want good produce, then you can’t beat starting with a well dug plot. But with a traditional spade, it’s hard work! In the late 50s Wolf Garden Tools launched the Terrex Auto- spade. The beauty of this tool is that you dig from a standing position: there is no need to bend to lift and turn the soil. Take a spit; pull back on the handle and a large spring at the base of shaft acts to throw soil forward. You dig without the strain of bending and at twice the normal speed. The spade and spare parts, discounted by Wolf some years ago, have been reproduced by Backsaver Garden Tools Ltd of Leeds and the auto-spade is again available. We have been astounded by the reception grateful gardeners have given. For years they have been seeking spares for their Terrex or wanting to purchase a new Auto- spade. It can be ordered with either stainless or carbon steel blades and a fork head is also available. Invest in the Auto-spade; save the strain on your back, it’s digging made easy!
14 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:09 Page 15
Life imitates art
new tubes of paint!” He adds, “there is a nostalgia surrounding the allotment that evokes images of Grandads in flat caps, pipes and whippets, which is a very stereotypical view of the allotment. Allotments now attract many younger people and women rather than old men, but as an artist I find that traditional view of the allotment the most rugged and romantic to portray”.
In the last decade Chris has emerged as a rising star of the art world, due to numerous TV appearances, notably BBC Gardener’s World in summer 2008. In 2005, self taught artist Chris Cyprus made a small series of paintings portraying the humble garden shed. Now his paintings are in high demand and purchased by buyers both at home and abroad who find a magnetic appeal in the He slowly moved from depicting his beloved local Pennine secret world of garden sheds and home-grown root vegetables. landscapes from his studio based in his hometown of Mossley, Lancashire. Chris really wanted to stand out from other local Now a major contemporary artist with a national reputation, he artists doing the same kind of paintings by having a strong is widely recognised for his unique style, and like most prolific identity and theme that made his work unique. It was by artists, he is a compulsive painter and absorbs ideas for his accident one day that he stumbled on an allotment close to his painting wherever he is, including his own allotment. His home where he found lots of tumbled down sheds with all the trademark features of bold colour, ordinary everyday situations, typical characteristics of the quintessential English allotment. It and quiet humour strike a chord with keen gardeners and art was a beautiful spring day and there he met a chap ‘Melvin’ lovers everywhere as well as demands to use his work for who was digging and burning debris in the cold misty afternoon schools all across the UK including his old infant school where The atmosphere was stunning and Chris immediately started the pupils are learning about allotments through art projects as snapping away with his camera. Chris had also wanted to well as having their own plot. portray figures in his paintings after a recent holiday in France where he was inspired by Van Gogh’s ‘harvest’ series he You can see Chris at the Edible Garden Show, painted during his stay in Arles. Chris saw the similar themes as 18th–20th March, at Stoneleigh Park, Warwick. he watched Melvin digging and chatting about his plot that he had had for 30 years. This gave him so much inspiration that he To view more of Chris’s paintings, go to www.chriscyprus.com quickly returned to his studio to capture what he experienced on canvas.
In 2007, Chris put his name down for a plot at Wood Meadow Allotments in his home town: the waiting lists there were two years long, but during his first visit he met 81 year old Bob Andrew, an allotment holder for 35 years. Bob had a double plot and was struggling to maintain it, so he gave Chris ‘free range’ with the other plot in exchange for the odd bit of digging and weeding. This was invaluable knowledge and experience for allotment gardening as Bob knew every inch of the plot, the soil type, what grows best and where. The added bonus was getting closer to the subject for inspiration for painting, the joy of being out in the fresh air and the exercise.
Two years later Chris’s name was top of the list, so the plot was divided and it became his own.
Chris talks about the excitement of picking your first veg, “there is something special about that experience: it brings out the child in you, like finding buried treasure, and is similar to the excitement I feel when buying new paint brushes and opening
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Win A Fabulous FSC Single Wooden Compost Bin from The Recycle Works
Save money, recycle and improve your plot – gardeners can achieve all these aims with home made compost. Add soft prunings, vegetable peelings and other garden waste straight to your compost bin. In only a few months they’ll have rotted down to make a rich, free mulch or soil improver.
The Single Wooden Compost Bin can be assembled in under five minutes – no nails, no screws, no holes to dig! And, as the durable, slow grown wood is sourced from FSC sustainable forests, it’s suitable for eco-friendly gardeners too. The bin has closed sides to prevent the contents from drying out and features sliding panels for easy access. It even doubles up as a high-sided raised bed for wheelchair users.
For your chance to win this a Single Wooden Compost Bin, simply email your name and address to [email protected] stating ‘Allotment & Leisure Competition’. All entries must be received by 31st March 2011.
(Your details will be processed by The Recycle Works in full accordance with data protection legislation. The Recycle Works may wish to contact you with information of products that may be of interest, please indicate on your entry if you do not wish us to contact you. Your details will not be shared with any third parties.)
We’ve got everything to help you ‘Grow Your Own’! • FSC Wooden Compost Bins • FSC Wooden Raised Beds • Patio Growing • Pots & Propagators • Bulbs & Seeds • Plus much, much more!
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Composting
I am the Chairman of Abbey Road Allotments, Cradley carpet is placed on top of the compost: this will drop as the Gardening Club and I also give slide talks to other Gardening breakdown takes place. Clubs in the Midlands. One of the talks that I give is on composting. Through trial and error, using a blackwall compost Check fortnightly and keep your heap moist: that way the bin, I can give you a quick insight into my method of having worms will stay there and do their job: never turn your heap as compost ready to use in a month! that is the worms’ job! When watering add out of date beer (from local off licence) or beer slops (from your local): male Insert green ingredients: garden/ kitchen waste chopped urine is another good activator. (including egg shells) – I use a strong builders bucket and chop everything up with hedge shears. Add to this mixture the same In the winter cover bins with old carpet, in the summer white amount of spent mushroom compost, spent hops, spent malt, emulsion them – look after the worms and they will stay there. top soil and your fungi & bacteria – manure, leaf mold, pet Your bin is best placed on the soil: I use chicken wire droppings with straw/shavings. Also add spent peat (from grow underneath to stop the moles stealing my worms. I don’t use bags), nettles (before they go to seed), comfrey – both chopped weeds/ vacuum dust/ hair/ lemons/ oranges or onions, the last up, soft wood cuttings, grass cuttings, used bedding plants 3 being too acidic! (chopped), seaweed (washed & chopped). Now include your brown ingredients: egg boxes/ trays (not coloured), loo/ kitchen Although a few of the compost ingredients are good activators rolls, cardboard, paper bags, all ripped up. To this I add spent (nitrogen) I still add seaweed meal, Garrota (if that is all you can coffee grounds/ tea leaves (not the bags) and mix well. The get). The end product can be used to fill up raised beds or to more you can chop and mix the ingredients the quicker the top dress anything. Phone your local Council and see if they are breakdown of materials. A 3" layer of compost materials are doing a deal for the bins: most Councils do. Bins are 220lt or added to your bin, a thin layer of shredded news paper (not 330lt. I would personally go for the largest. coloured or glossy), add activator then water – carry on this Mick Poultney process until all of your mixture has gone. A round piece of
Bins whitened Compost working away
3 materials (1. chopped green/kitchen waste), (2. mixed with other ingredient), Carpeted ready for the winter (3. ready compost after a month ) 17 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:09 Page 18
Get arty and help Garden Organic ‘Celebrate Compost’
Here is an opportunity to show off your creative talents and Open to everyone, children and adults, the Garden Organic your passion for composting! ‘Celebrate Compost’ poster competition will raise awareness and celebrate everything there is to know about the lovely, Homemade compost is great for the garden and diverts tons of crumbly brown stuff. food waste from landfill. Now Garden Organic is calling for people to put their passion for compost on paper for its poster Garden Organic’s Jane Griffiths, said, “Our network of Master competition to urge more of us to make our own for Compost Composters promotes home compost at every opportunity and Awareness Week from Saturday 1 – 7 May 2011. it was one of them, Rodney Weston that came up with the ‘Celebrate Compost’ idea. With this competition we want to see people’s inventive, creative and eye-catching ideas for promoting compost and we also want to see entries that can help other people understand the importance of home composting for the environment, and for our gardens.”
The competition winner can look forward to an exciting eco prize and the winning ‘Celebrate Compost’ poster will also be displayed on the Garden Organic, Community Composting Network and Recycle Now website during Compost Awareness Week from1 - 7 May 2011. Garden Organic’s network of over 500 Master Composters will also use the poster design at community events.
To enter please obtain an entry form from [email protected] or write to ‘Celebrate Compost’ Competition’, Ryton Gardens, Wolston Lane, Warwickshire, CV8 3LG. Closing date for entries is 28 February 2011. The winner will be announced on the Garden Organic website on Monday 21 March 2011. T&C apply*
*Please see Garden Organic website for full rules of entry http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk Rota-Loowww.rotaloo.co.uk uk
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Rossana’s Cabin Allium Leaf Miner on The last article I submitted told of our joy of receiving a £5k grant for our allotment site. We have successfully managed to spend this money with £2k being spent on a summerhouse. the march!!! The erection of the building coincided with the birth of my second child, Rossana and also with my twentieth year life In December 2003 Allium Leaf Miner (Phytomyza gymnostoma membership. We have named the building Rossana’s Cabin aka Napomyza gymnostoma) was discovered in a garden in and, six months on, we are enjoying it more and more. Wolverhampton. Further outbreaks have been recently discovered in Coventry and people are advised to be on the This is the third allotment building that has been constructed on look out for this serious pest. the site in the past four years. We also have a metal apex shed and a small greenhouse, all in working condition. ALM is a serious economic problem and is notifiable to DEFRA, who at the moment appear to be in limbo. We have received further good news from our local Housing Association. Funds are promised for a new larger glasshouse, ALM is a small fly which lays its eggs on Allium species (onion linoleum floor for the summerhouse, a petrol lawnmower and family): the eggs hatch in to maggots which turn into chrysalis further tools. The news came just in time to lift the group’s which pupate in the stem, roots or soil. morale before Christmas. In leeks it will produce a long vertical pink line as it eats its way A recipe you may like… down the leek stem. In onions the leaves will contort and die Gajar k Halwa (Carrot Sweet) rendering the onion unedible. Ingredients Carrots 500g; Skimmed milk 600ml; Raisins 25g; Sugar 50g This pest should not be confused with the leek moth whose Green Cardamom Powder 12.5g; Butter 25g larva has a separate head section and legs.
Method Spring infestations (by egg laying flies) occur in March and April Grate the carrots in a food processor, and boil with milk till milk so no onions should be planted out before May and should be evaporates. Add powder and raisins then mix well. Add butter grown under fleece. A further infestation could occur in and mix and serve. September/October. Information can be found on the NSALG website. Very good hot or cold. www.nsalg.org.uk Rajeev Jhanji Maurice Lander Life Member West Midlands Regional Representative Middlesex
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hive to put them in. I had already considered the possibility of Diary af a keeping them on my allotment and had obtained permission from the City Council Allotments Officer to do so provided I ticked all the requirements. Other beekeepers helped me with parts for a hastily assembled hive and I had already purchased the other essentials such as a suit and veil, gloves Beekeeper and smoker. Having captured the swarm in a box I transferred them to my hive at the bottom of my plot and gave them a welcome meal of sugar syrup. They began foraging the next based at Hempland Lane day. I then got the local bee inspector from FERA at Sand Hutton to give them an inspection and he declared them fit and Allotments, York, North Yorkshire healthy. They were only a small colony of about 5k bees when in the height of summer a single colony can reach 50k. I had to I have always been fascinated by honey bees, not only because build them up quickly and since then have been inspecting and I enjoy eating their produce most days for breakfast, but feeding them every week. Although small in number they can because of their whole ecology and importance to plant life and consume a litre of syrup every week. food production. I have still not spotted the queen but I know she is there as the An elderly beekeeping friend used to keep me supplied with a colony has tripled in number. During the summer months regular supply of honey and he would enthrall me with the trials worker bees only live for six weeks, the first three in the hive and tribulations of his hobby, a hobby that I had never got performing cleaning and feeding duties in the cells and second round to trying for myself. This all changed last Christmas when foraging for pollen and nectar. They will fly several kilometers to my children bought me membership of the York Beekeepers find suitable supplies but this hard work results in them dying of Association and a seven week course in beekeeping held at the exhaustion at an early age. They have now built up about five Yorkshire Farming Museum. I was committed. frames of honey supply in the last four months but all this will be needed to sustain them through the winter. I have continued In early July I felt ready to acquire my first colony of bees. Other to feed them weekly which helps to keep the queen productive beginners were purchasing ready made colonies from bee (she can lay up to 2000 eggs a day). suppliers, paying up to £200 for a nucleus of a laying queen and five frames of bees. Hempland Allotments are an ideal environment for bees with an abundance of food from surrounding gardens, together with My chance came one day when I heard of lime and horse chestnut trees by the beck. Equally important is a swarm of bees that had appeared in a the benefit to allotments by pollinating our peas and beans and garden not far from where I live. They all of our fruit trees and bushes. They are harmless and docile were mine if I wanted them and they unless provoked and should be welcomed as friends onto our were free provided I had a site and a sites.
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As winter approaches they will be clustering inside the hive and hibernating until spring but they must be strong and healthy to survive. Cold and damp is their enemy as they must maintain a temperature of 96 degrees to get through it. I have already detected the presence of the dreaded varroa mite which is partly blamed for the dramatic drop in numbers over recent years but if the treatment can control them to an acceptable level then you may see Hempland honey on sale in the site shop next year. Nick Mansell www.hempland-lane-allotments.co.uk
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Mike Thurlow answers your Questions
Q I want to encourage more bees on to my allotment. What can I do to help them? A Bees and butterflies are under threat from all sides at the moment and they are struggling to survive in most areas. Modern building developments and farming techniques are constantly putting their habitat under great pressure. So anything that we as gardeners can do to help them is desperately needed. It doesn’t mean that you have to have “scruffy” areas on the plot much to the annoyance of your neighbours as is sometimes believed. Quite the contrary, bees are attracted to many of the herb plants such as thyme, mint and particularly lavender. If you are prepared to give them the space, winter and spring flowering heathers are great at providing bees with early season pollen when many of the more suitable flowers are in short supply.
I appreciate that when times are hard that bees will bite through the back of runner bean flowers which prevents the beans from developing but it usually only for a short while. Anything and everything that we can do to help their plight will be to our benefit in the long run.
Bee keeping is a great hobby and if you get in touch with local bee keepers they will only be too glad to help. They will set up the hives, help you to manage them for you at first and will pass on the skills that are needed to maintain the colonies. It is a myth that everybody is going to get stung and once you discover and respect the social discipline of the bee hive your life will be enriched more than you can believe. And of course there is always the honey to enjoy. Q As more and more chemicals are becoming unavailable to gardeners what hope is there for preventing carrot root fly from attacking my carrot crop? A A very simple answer is to sow your early varieties of carrots during March until mid April and then delay making any more sowings of the main crop until the end of June or if you can hold your nerve make it July. By doing this you are able to escape the main period of activity and damage by the carrot root fly which is during May, June and July.
The carrot fly is a winged insect that can detect the scent of carrots from several miles! It is immediately alerted to a site when the foliage is damaged or when the thinning of roots is being carried out. So rule number one is always prevent as much as is possible giving away the position of your carrot patch. To help to achieve this always sow the seed as sparingly as possible to minimise having to thin them out later, if you have to thin always water along the row wetting the foliage before and after thinning out. Try to carry out the job in the cool of the evening or after a shower of rain because this helps to suppress the scent and also the fly is less active under these conditions. After thinning firm the soil along the row and draw soil over the shoulders of the carrots just as if you are earthing up potatoes.
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The seed companies are trying to develop root fly resistant The acidity can be overcome by regular application of garden varieties but they make or may not work for you. I would advise lime until the readings are around 7.00. The disease can you to experiment with a variety until you find one that suits sometimes arrive on the seed but I must stress that these days your soil and site. The more yellow end of the colour spectrum the seed suppliers go to great lengths to ensure that all seed is seems to offer hope but lacks some of the flavour. of the highest quality and disease free. So ruling seed out as a potential source it could be the type of compost that you use. I The carrot root fly can only fly at a maximum height of well remember a batch of compost arriving in the country that 24"/60cms above soil level. If you have the time and patience was carrying club root. We are now down to bringing in plants you can erect a physical barrier over the crop but it does make from outside and I include Garden Centres here because they weeding and watering a fiddle or grow them under cloches or in use peat composts that are acidic by nature. raised beds. Remember that parsley is a member of the carrot family and will attract and suffer from carrot root fly damage. Raise your own plants using a non peat based compost, John Grow it in a pot well away from the allotment. Innes No1 is the best even for seed sowing. Grow the plants on in 4”/100cm pots before planting out. This will give you a Q Everyone says that lettuce is easy to grow but mine chance to grow a decent plant even on soil that has club root. always bolt. Any thoughts? Ending on a good note the winter brassicas don’t usually suffer from club root. A I agree with you that lettuce can be a frustrating crop to grow. Generally speaking Q I love strawberries how long can they prefer cooler growing conditions I expect my plants to live and to hot. Which is difficult because a crop? lettuce is the mainstay of any summer salad. There are many A Three years is the most that bewildering types of lettuce that all you should reasonably respond to different growing expect a plant to remain healthy conditions. Being able to produce enough to give you a decent return a first class lettuce on the on your labour. After this period you allotment plot is no easy feat. The will have to buy in new, disease free causes of bolting or the plants plants to replace them with on a fresh running to seed prematurely are site. Strawberries suffer from a build associated with the plant being up of soil diseases and that is why it is under stress for one reason or always necessary to provide them with a another. Usually with summer lettuce new, clean site after three seasons growing is it heat related or a lack of water. on the same piece of ground. Don’t be Summer, autumn and winter lettuce all tempted to replace them with plants that you respond to differing day lengths. As the can propagate from runners because the baby days lengthen in summer the time between plants will be carrying the diseases within them and when the lettuce has formed heart and it being ready you will only be spreading them around your plot. These for picking is quite short and we are talking about days sorts of plants are OK for pot work and forcing. Always burn here. If for some reason it is left unpicked for too long it bolts. them after they have finished cropping. One of the main causes of the problem is growing too many plants which ends up leaving some in the ground for too long. A word of warning, don’t plant strawberries on ground that has Only sow and grow a few plants at time to keep up production. grown raspberries before then because they both suffer from Try growing the cut and come again types to avoid gluts and the same soil diseases. The same rule goes for raspberries as famines. well. Try to plan things so that the strawberries don’t have to return to a previous site for at least 9 years. Select the right variety to suit the season, don’t grow too many plants, avoid transplanting during the summer months, keep well watered and provide shade in the heat of summer to keep Do you have a question for Mike? the plants cool. Don’t leave them in the ground for too long Send it in to Head Office, O’Dell House, Hunters Road, especially during the summer. Corby, Northants NN17 5JE Q I am a new allotment gardener and I have been told that club root can be passed on by planting gifts of plants from other gardeners. Is this true? A Yes it is true. The most difficult part is trying hard not offend a fellow alloment gardeners by refusing their well intentioned gift. Club root sometimes referred to as finger and toe disease because the roots of the plants resemble gnarled joints is a very nasty disease that affects all members of the brassica family. It is sad to say that it is usually most common on the older sites where poor cultivation has allowed a build up of the disease over time. On new sites it shouldn’t be a problem. The disease can remain in the soil for up to twenty years or so do everything that you can to keep your plot in good health. The main cause is poorly draining acidic soils. If you find that the soil is water holding then you must improve the drainage at all costs, next test the soil to find out whether it is acidic or alkaline (chalky) using a simple pH testing kit.
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The NSALG want to hear from YOU to find out what YOU want from YOUR magazine!
We are giving away a set of 5 gardening books to selected lucky Do you keep any of the following? readers* just for telling us a bit about yourself so that we may Poultry Bees Livestock tailor your magazine to include what YOU want to read about. * Books will be randomly selected from the stock that we have. 3 sets to give away. Titles vary from ecological gardening to poems about allotments. Have you made enquiries from viewing advertising in the Please do take a few minutes to fill out our short survey and send Magazine? in the post to the address below or to avoid damaging your copy Yes No of the magazine, email [email protected] to receive a copy of this survey via email of which you can easily reply back Have you ever purchased a product from viewing to (details below). advertising in the Magazine? All answers are completely confidential and your answers will Yes No not be used for any other purpose other than to offer you a magazine with both features and articles that are relevant and Are there any further suggestions or comments you would like interesting to you to make about the Allotment and Leisure Gardener magazine? What sort of articles would you like to see more of in ALG? (Tick all that apply) National news Local news Recipes Articles for amateur growers Competitions Tips and handy hints Articles for intermediate growers Articles for Expert growers Are you? Individual experiences from the allotment Male Female Upcoming show/exhibition details Which age group do you belong to? A Question and Answer page 18–30 31–45 46–60 61–75 80+ Would you like us to dedicate a page for members to submit their growing tips? Employment status, Yes No Full Time Part time Retired Would you submit tips via email or post for us to include in Student Unemployed the magazine? What is your annual household income? Yes No Under £10,000 £10,000–£20,000 How long have you been a member of the NSALG £20,001–£30,000 £30,001–£40,000 Years £40,001–£60,000 £60,001–£80,000 How long have you had an interest in growing your own produce? £80,001–£100,000 £100,000 + Years Thank you for completing the questionnaire your comments Do you enjoy sharing your gardening/growing experiences have been extremely helpful! with… (Tick all that apply) Fellow Society members Friends Please send your completed questionare along with your name, address and contact number to: Family Partner Children Survey - ALG 1.11, Crest Publications Ltd, 20 Moulton Park How important is growing organically to you (please mark Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP or email: on scale) [email protected] for a copy of this survey via email (subject line: Survey - ALG 1.11 request). Not very important I have no preference Very important Closing date 29.4.11. T&C apply.
Do you grow…..? Terms and conditions This giveaway is open to all UK residents aged 18 or over, excluding employees or At Home On an Allotment Both agents of the associated publishing company and their families. One entry per person. The prizes and giveaways are as specified on the relevant pages, images Do you have a garden? of prizes may vary from those shown. No cash alternatives. Entries must be via post or email as stated (no purchase necessary). Illegible entries and those that do Yes No Other……….. not abide by these terms and conditions will be disqualified. No responsibility is held for entries lost, delayed or damaged in the post, proof of posting is not proof How much time do you spend per week on your allotment of delivery. Your details will be processed by Crest Publications Ltd (publishers of the Allotment & Leisure Gardener magazine on behalf of the NSALG) in full or growing at home? (Please select one) accordance with data protection. Crest Publictions Ltd may wish to contact you with information of other services we provide which maybe of interest. 2hrs or less 2–5hours 5–10hours Please tick here if you DO NOT wish to receive such information by post phone email . The decision of the judge is final and no 10-20 hours 20 hours + corresponance will be entered into. Winners will be notified by phone, email or post, a list of winners is available on request from Crest Publications Ltd, 20 Moulton Park Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP. 24 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:10 Page 25
‘How to’ DVDs to giveaway Share your outdoor winter gardening scenes with us and your submission could be the photo used on the front of the NSALG Christmas card 2011!
We have 4 pairs of DVDs to giveaway. The set may consist of The First prize winner will receive a pair of How to grow vegetables/ How to grow trees and shrubs or How DVDs and appear on the 2011 Christmas to garden organically. Presented by Tom Petherick, produced card. A pair of DVDs will also be awarded to by Dancing Bee (www.dancing-bee.com). three additional winners. We will publish all winners photos in a subsequent edition. We may also, wherever possible, use photos submitted to accompany relevant articles (publishing acknowledgment to the photographer and including their name and region) Send your photo along with your name, address and contact number to:
Winter gardening, Crest Publications Ltd, 20 Moulton Park Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP or email: [email protected] (subject line: Winter gardening / ALG.1.11). Closing date 28.4.11. T&C apply. The photo featured was kindly submitted by Peter Horrocks and was the image used for the 2010 card.
Terms and conditions This competition is open to all UK residents aged 18 or over, excluding employees or agents of the associated publishing company and their families. One entry per person. The prizes and giveaways are as specified on the relevant pages. No cash alternatives. Entries must be via post or email as stated (no purchase necessary). Illegible entries and those that do not abide by these terms and conditions will be disqualified. No responsibility is held for entries lost, delayed or damaged in the post, proof of posting is not proof of delivery. Your details will be processed by Crest Publications Ltd (publishers of the Allotment & Leisure Gardener magazine on behalf of the NSALG) in full accordance with data protection. Crest Publictions Ltd may wish to contact you with information of other services we provide which maybe of interest. Please tick here if you DO NOT wish to receive such information by post phone email . The decision of the judge is final and no corresponance will be entered into. Winners will be notified by phone, email or post, a list of winners is available on request from Crest Publications Ltd, 20 Moulton Park Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP.
Book Giveaway Winner A happy winner!
(issue2.2010) Dear Daniella,
Geoff Bainbridge Thank you so much for the phone call last Monday, Thank you very much for the books. Below one of our advising me that I had won a plotholders enjoying reading one from the library shelf in our Bulldog Premier Potato Fork in new shed. your competition (ALG 4.2010). It arrived on Friday and I am really pleased with it. It is extremely well made and we are looking forward to using it next year.
The accompanying photograph is of myself proudly holding the fork! The photo was taken by my husband at our allotment in Stanley, Derbyshire.
Once again, thank you.
Yours sincerely Rosemary Cook (Mrs)
25 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:10 Page 26
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26 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:11 Page 27
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Growing Undercover this Winter
The winter weather has certainly arrived with its usual pressures. The best and easiest unpredictability, having already been treated to high winds, way to reduce this problem is to lengthy frosts and some very heavy rain. All these test any vent the tunnel each morning to greenhouse so it’s essential to regularly check yours. Make expel excess moisture. If you have particularly sure the polythene or glass is in good condition and a Haygrove Tunnel just roll up the fitted tightly to the frame. It is precisely because of these vents down each side to allow the winter conditions that Haygrove use such a strong “woven” moisture to be removed quickly. material on their Garden Tunnel. Fitted properly it’s already proving it can withstand anything the weather thrown at it on Short days mean light levels are at exposed sites across the UK! their worst at this time of year. Lack of light creates problems for Over the last few months I have been comparing temperatures most plants and it’s essential to do as much as possible to inside and outside my tunnel, with no additional heating or negate this problem. One easy fix is to clean the plastic or insulation, with interesting results. In October on cool but glass of any dirt and algae that have built up over the last 12 sunny days I am recording a temperature difference of up to months. There are plenty of ‘products’ being promoted for this 15ºC during early afternoon. However, as the sun goes down job but at Haygrove we recommend warm water, a mild and temperatures fell rapidly, the tunnel was only holding the detergent, soft brush and bit of elbow grease! temperature 1ºC above that outside. As insulation is easy to fit by using the steel hoop clips to attach to the Haygrove steel In Herefordshire we’ve had plenty of Christmas snow – thank frame, I am starting further trials with fleece insulation and you to all the Haygrove customers who have sent in photos of paraffin heaters. their tunnel withstanding really extreme conditions. Even for really strong, galvanised steel structure’s such as Haygroves’s, In winter, humidity can create problems under plastic, do remember to remove any snow build up with a soft brush. particularly when there is a big difference between night and daytime temperatures. Droplets of water falling from the Enjoy your winter growing season undercover! polythene onto crops below leads to increased disease
27 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:11 Page 28
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Northern Regional Report
I am writing this for I cleared a plot the year I retired which want of anything better was thick with the stuff: I dug it over to do as it is snowing three times end to end with a clay spit heavily again. It is the and hand picked several Peter Horrocks 27th November and hundredweight of the stuff out and Regional Rep what an autumn it has burned it. I still get spasmodic tiny been so far. I normally shoots now and again, but a fanatical determination to remove start winter digging at every trace keeps it at bay. I also ruptured myself, but that is the end of October another tale! where the ground is clear of summer crops. There may be plans afoot to use the figures from ‘What’s a plot This year, we have had continuous heavy rain day in, day out worth’, the survey carried out in 2008 to establish the cash for several weeks, leaving the ground saturated. Since the 23rd value of allotment crops, to estimate the annual carbon savings of November there has been heavy snow and in the centre of to be obtained by growing locally rather than using the food Newcastle, it is now lying a foot or so deep with more miles usually used in transporting the same crops. A PhD promised. Whilst very pretty, a foot of snow equates to at least student is being sought to establish these figures. an inch of rain, so when it melts, it will only add to the waterlogging problems. The council have threatened to drain I visited one of our local recyling/composting facilities recently the site and the surrounding land, but we are still waiting for to examine the product and discuss pricing. Currently, the that happy day! organisation (SITA) is offering deliveries, product conforms to PAS100, as follows I was asked by a gardener the other day to intervene in a dispute between him and his site committee. The site is a fairly Listed below are some guideline prices, the prices vary large, recently restored and renovated site, beautifully laid out depending on haulage from our site location in Ashington. and quite open – low level internal fences etc. The gardener Should any of your allotment holders be in a position to collect had planted quite a number of golden conifers round and about material the material is available for collection at our site for as decorative hedging and features on the plot and the £15.00 per tonne. committee were not happy and I had to agree with them. People plant decorative hedges and trees on allotment gardens and forget completely that these things have a habit of growing. Distance from site Price per ton Price per ton Despite regular cutting (which does not always happen), they location NE63 9XS 10 ton loads 20 ton loads grow and grow old, along with the gardener, and when the time 0–25 miles 23.80 plus VAT 19.40 plus VAT comes, they become someone else’s problem. Not only that, 26–50 miles 33.26 plus VAT 24.13 plus VAT they create sterile rain shadows on other people’s land and inhibit the growth of crops. 51–75 miles 41.40 pus VAT 28.20 plus VAT 76–100 miles 51.63 plus VAT 33.32 plus VAT As a regional rep, I have to deal with applications by local 101–125 miles 63.84 plus VAT 39.42 plus VAT councils to the Secretary of State to dispose of (allegedly) surplus statutory allotment land. In a recent case, a council Gerald Doran their commercial manager can be contacted on applied to dispose of 0.78 ha of land containing 14 allotments. 01670 843512. These prices do not include VAT which should be The site was now derelict after all the tenants had been given added to get a true price. notice to quit although there was a waiting list of 27 for that site. In exchange they offered three separate parcels of land in the I conveyed this to the Newcastle recycling plant and they now area, 0.33, 0.15 and 0.03ha in area as replacement land. I can offer the same material to plotholders in Newcastle as objected as there was certainly no way that the land was surplus follows. Delivered, £13.75 per tonne, contact Mark Manley on to requirements and the council refused point blank to declare 0191 264 6958, mob 07967 663225. the alternative land as statutory. The Secretary of State agreed with me that there was still demand in the area for allotments, I remember the BBC’s Joe Swift, when creating that allotment probably greater than shown by the waiting list which had not from scratch on Gardener’s World, getting a 10 ton load of this been maintained since 2006. Despite this, he agreed to accept material delivered free from his council. Well, up here it’s not free the council’s offer of the alternative land as being adequate to yet, but I’ll bet that with the push towards ever higher recycling accommodate demand. An interesting point was made in the targets, it may well become either free or cheaper as the problem statement from the Secretary of State and that was that the becomes what to do with the output from the recycling plants. protection offered by Section 8 of the Act meant that any land offered by the council in exchange for statutory land would, Members might like to contact their own councils to see if similar indeed, have to be afforded the protection of the Act, i.e. it would deals are available elsewhere in the region! have to be declared statutory itself. Peter Horrocks Northern Regional Representative It has been suggested to me by several members recently that Kybosh, a weedkiller, is effective against Mare’s Tail. I have also heard from Russell at Bedlington that they have had success up there with malt vinegar in treating the same problem. We will wait and see what happens next season: i.e. will it re-grow?
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Northern The Newcastle Allotment and Garden Show
The biggest, the longest and the this one is going from strength to doesn’t come from supermarkets. It’s not funniest, all were put before judges at strength. We get so many entries in all of about being competitive, it’s about the one of the North East’s biggest allotment the categories and so many people fun of entering.” shows. The Newcastle Allotment and having a go for the first time. This year Garden Show, now in its ninth year, saw we’ve put on more things for children, Peter Kenny from Cramlington won the a record 1,250 entries, up from 980 in because more and more families are best pot leeks category for the second 2009. It brought together exhibits from coming to the event and we want people year running. He said: “Last year was the keen gardeners and novice growers to be able to stay for longer.” first time I had entered and I was so alike, from plump pumpkins and luscious impressed with the show. It is a superb leeks, to fabulous flower arrangements Five-year-old Sam Campbell, from South show with a smashing atmosphere. and pukka pickles and chutneys. The Gosforth, scooped two prizes, best funny There’s something for everybody and it’s show, organised by Newcastle’s face made of vegetables and best inspiring me to have a go at growing other Allotment Working Group and the city children’s entry in show. Dad Ian said: things for next year.” Users of the Comfrey council, is aimed at anyone who grows “We have had an allotment for most of Project, which aims to help refugees and their own and looks to celebrate locally- Sam’s life. Now he’s older, he has his asylum seekers get used to life on produced food. Council recreation own little bit to grow things. He likes Tyneside by getting them involved in development officer Helen Raper, who playing down there with this brother community allotments, entered several helped organise the event, said: “A lot of Daniel and sister Isobel. It gives them the categories, scooping the top prize for best allotment shows have closed down chance to get out and find out how patio planter. Garden project worker through lack of interest or funding, but things grow, so they know fruit and veg Yvonne Hartnett said: “To enter a competition like this is great fun, it’s very accessible. We grow traditional vegetables and also give people the opportunity to grow things from their own countries.” Shuhana Jalaldeen, who moved to Blakelaw from Sri Lanka in February and has been involved in the Comfrey Project since March, entered her lemon pickle. She said: “I like it very much. It has allowed me to meet people and settle in.”
Organisations like Healthworks, Active Newcastle, Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Groundwork were also on hand to give advice on healthy lifestyles and diets and looking after the natural environment.
Article kindly provided by Amy Hunt, Reporter for The Journal, Evening Chronicle and Sunday Sun, Newcastle.
Read all about our award-winning campaign at Photo kindly provided by John Millard, Photographer The Journal, Evening Chronicle and Sunday Sun, www.chroniclelive.co.uk/gogreen. Newcastle
F J Jackson & Son Honiton
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30 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:11 Page 31
Allotmentshare – try before you buy Brancepeth Allotment Association, Brancepeth, Durham Like most other associations, we have a waiting list. appeared in the last ALG magazine. We thought you may like to Unfortunately, our total allotment area is small with 16 tenants know how we are getting on and hopefully be encouraged by who cultivate plots of various sizes. Until recently we did not our results. have too many problems to worry about other than rabbits, pigeons and, of course, the weather. Now we have a growing At the beginning, everyone was keen and got to work on waiting list! preparing their plots in readiness for planting. Members provided advice and guidance as to what to plant and were on The expanding list is due to the burgeoning interest in organic hand to give that extra bit of encouragement whenever needed. food and the widespread trend of eating more healthily. Plots were soon cultivated and seeds began to germinate. Gardening programmes have also managed to convey the idea that vegetables can be grown easily and for very little cost. As It soon became clear, at least to the observer, that not seasoned allotment holders, we know a lot of effort, knowledge everybody was maintaining their initial level of enthusiasm and more than a bit of luck with the elements is needed to secure judging by the growth of weeds between plants. As the season a good crop. Perhaps, if prospective allotment holders knew of progressed, those that were able to find the time to look after all of the work involved, our waiting list might not be a problem. their plots were rewarded with fresh salad and vegetables. Others watched as weeds eventually overpowered seedlings. Our solution! We know not everyone is always able to cultivate their entire plot effectively, so we asked our members if they Of the nine people who accepted a ‘starter plot’, three have would be willing to give up a small space for this season only. withdrawn their names from the waiting list and the remaining six The result - thanks to the generosity of members, everyone on our are keener than ever but now know how much effort is required to list has a ‘starter plot’ which will provide them with the experience grow vegetables and how much land they would like to cultivate. of growing their own before committing to a larger plot. This exercise obviously sorted out those who could and those who could not long before we committed them to the benefit of a Update - The idea to allocate ‘starter plots’ to manage our (half) plot from our limited stock: a very useful exercise! waiting list and provide novices with experience has been a Bob Chapman topic of discussion among our members since the article Brancepeth Allotment Association
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32 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:11 Page 33
Yorkshire
AGM
On Saturday 13th November the with a particular emphasis on allotment venue on Yorkshire Allotments and Gardens sites. Saturday 12th Federation held its 93rd Annual General February 2011: Mr Tony Heeson Meeting. For the first time in many years Following a substantial buffet lunch the the meeting will Regional Rep the meeting was held in Doncaster at the business of the day was completed and open at 1.00 pm home of our normal quarterly meetings, this was followed by a short address by closing at about 3.30 pm. Delegates The Doncaster Trades and Labour Club. Mr Allan Rees MBE, the National from any regional bodies or societies are Societies Chairman. He then introduced welcome. Next years AGM is likely to be The meeting attracted some fifty Mrs Donna McDaid, the new General held in Knaresborough but the members and we were fortunate to have Secretary who also had a few words to committee are open to suggestions for our local MP, Rosie Winterton join us for say. Our Regional President, Mr John suitable venues within the Yorkshire and the early part of the meeting. We also Kirk closed the meeting at about 3.00 pm Humberside area. had a very informative speech followed bringing an end to a very successful and Tony Heeson by questions and answers by Mr Allan enjoyable day. Regional Representative Woodward of the National Beekeeping Pictures by Phil Gomersall. Association. He illustrated some of the The next meeting of the Yorkshire pleasures and the pitfalls of beekeeping, Federation will be held at the same
A fourth generation of growers!
Brothers Thomas and Toby Pullen, the youngest gardeners at Silsden Allotment Association in West Yorkshire, are the fourth generation in their family with an enthusiasm for growing their own, inheriting an interest that goes back to their maternal and paternal great grandfathers.
Dad Simon Pullen and his father-in-law Bob Bentley both have plots at the privately-owned Silsden site. Bob is the ex- chairman of the Association and Simon is a committee member.
The Association, which is a member of the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners, was formed in 1985. The land was acquired after intense lobbying when the original owner decided to sell the land for housing. The field had been council- leased allotments for many years. In the end only a few plots were lost to development and the owner sold the rest of the field to the Association to keep it as allotments in perpetuity. The Association currently has 37 members and 42 plots. Thomas (left) and Toby Pullen, a Silsden family’s new generation of allotment Silsden Allotment Association, West Yorkshire gardeners
33 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 15:29 Page 34
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34 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:11 Page 35
Yorkshire Silsden Allotment Association holds their first annual show
Silsden Allotment Association (West Yorkshire) held its first annual show on September 11th. Association Chairman, John Cobb and his wife, Sonia gained most points overall winning the classes for onions and beetroot. Their cauliflower which was first in the “any other vegetable” category was also judged to be the show’s best exhibit. They were also successful in the novice section at the previous week’s Keighley Agricultural Show. Mr and Mrs Cobb headed the novice class for onions, which also took the best-in-show award for novices.
The Silsden event, held at the Cobbydale Sports and Social Club, was judged by well-known local show-winning allotment gardener Mr Peter Smith. The Association is a member of the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners. John Liddle Secretary, Treasurer and Trustee Mr Peter Smith (centre), who judged Silsden Allotment Association’s first annual show, is pictured with star Silsden Allotment Association exhibitors John and Sonia Cobb
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35 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:12 Page 36
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North West Regional Report
I apologise for the brevity of my report in their area. If your Federation has not growing the from the North West for this quarter. applied for a rebate please contact me produce, and I will ensure that you receive a copy constructing the My report on the progress in establishing of the simplified application form to claim displays and NSALG Federations of members in all the rebate for 2010. manning the Mr D Morris Local Authority areas in the North West stands have Regional Rep will appear in the next issue, I promise. For many years the Association of placed an Manchester Allotment Societies (AMAS) increasing burden Meanwhile if your Local Authority area has staged the NSALG display at the on a limited number of volunteers and if does not have a Federation of NSALG RHS Show at Tatton: similarly the Wirral we are to continue to have a NSALG member sites please contact me and I will Federation has staged the display at the presence at these major shows we need be more than happy to attend any meeting annual Southport Show. They have been more volunteers to come forward to to explain the benefits of establishing one very successful both in terms of gaining help. If you feel that your Society or and assist in the process. awards but more importantly promoting Federation would be able or willing to the work of the NSALG and highlighting help with either of these shows please Federations are entitled to receive a the benefits of allotments in general. contact me. rebate of up to 15% of the NSALG Dave Morris membership fees, i.e. 30p per member to Both Federations have found the NW Regional Rep help to promote the work of the NSALG demands of designing and planning,
New allotments take root in Huyton
A RUNDOWN block of flats has been demolished and a new way of life is about to take root in Huyton.
Knowsley Housing Trust – together with social enterprise Arena Future – has built community allotments where residents and schoolchildren will be trained in how to grow the best veg. Cookery courses are also planned so that everyone can make the most of their homegrown produce.
“We already have a waiting list for the allotments, which shows people are hungry to improve their diet,” said Dave Webster, of Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT). “We are committed to helping people improve their health and wellbeing and growing your own food is a fantastic way of doing that while also helping to reduce your shopping bill. We have been so impressed by the enthusiasm The site before work started and commitment of the local community in this project.” have been taken on by local schools, a shared poly tunnel, Organisers are now inviting local residents to plant their own relaxation area and learning area. tree and find out more about how the allotments have grown. All plots have already been allocated and several more The flats which previously stood on the site were demolished residents are on the waiting list. and KHT, who own the land, wanted to use the space to benefit the local community. The allotments have taken seven months The project has been managed by Arena Future – a social to complete and include 24 raised plots, two large beds that enterprise based in St Helens that provides training and
The site in progress
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employment opportunities across the region. They created jobs for local people on the project through the Future Jobs Fund during its construction. Andy Naylor, Sustainable Communities Officer for Arena Future, is overseeing the allotment project and will be providing support, advice and training. He said: “The allotment project will support people to grow their own food while at the same time encouraging them to take an interest in open spaces within their local area. We are trying to bring the community together. We want people to be out here using the allotments all the time, we want schoolchildren to be growing their own food and cooking it in their school canteens”.
The project will run for three years and then it is hoped residents will take over its running. The allotments are open to anyone in the North Huyton area and are allocated for 12 months at a time, so that as many residents as possible get a chance to learn the necessary gardening skills. Work under way at the site
The Weston Allotment Group (WAG) East Cheshire.
How it all happened In 2008, the now chairman, Paul Latham allotment provided by the local council; The Weston Allotment Group (WAG) has decided, for his health, well-being and a however, waiting lists locally and formed a body of like-minded people, bit of exercise, to grow his own nationally meant that the demand for regardless of age, sex, race or religion, vegetables. He assumed that in the allotments far outweighed the supply. who are growing their own food on land world we live in, where everybody from Paul decided to take action. within Weston and Basford at costs the government down wants us to go which are affordable due to a proven green and to eat healthily, that it would He appeared on BBC’s Panorama need within the community. be a straightforward matter to get an programme in September 2008 to
Cheshire East Councillor wholeheartedly supporting the project
On a beautiful Saturday morning in early October it was a great have shown the old adage of ‘where there is a will there is a privilege to attend the official opening of the Weston Allotment way’ to be absolutely true. They have persevered, overcome Site. The weather in the build up to this memorable occasion obstacles and finally achieved their goal and everyone involved had been appalling but to have such a beautiful sunny day was deserves enormous credit for that. just reward for the combined efforts of Weston & Basford Parish Councillor John Hammond, Doddington Ward, Council and the Weston Allotment Group, led by enthusiastic Cheshire East Council. Chairman Paul Latham. Their sterling efforts in providing such a magnificent facility for the community deserves immense praise.
Together with John Cornell, the Parish Council Chairman, I spoke as their Cheshire East Ward Councillor in support of the proposal at the Planning Committee meeting when the application deservedly received unanimous approval. At that meeting I mentioned that their enthusiasm for the project was indeed infectious because it certainly rubbed off on me! What they had displayed with their combined efforts was a perfect example of a local community working together with a common goal of providing the facilities that residents want as identified in the preparation of the Parish Plan. From past experience I know how difficult it can be to obtain suitable land for allotment use and great resolve and initiative has been shown to acquire such a splendid site.
A definite proven community need was identified prior to the submission of the planning application and the fact that all 32 plots were taken up so quickly fully confirms that the demand was there in the first place. As their Ward Councillor I am Official Opening: Bill Witter – land owner, Paul Latham – Founder and Chair of the extremely proud to represent such a proactive community. They Weston Allotment Group and Edward Timpson – MP for Crewe and Nantwich
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community building exercise and has given the village of Weston a brilliant facility which has gained the attention of other groups in neighbouring communities, where Paul has given talks on how to make it happen.
Weston & Basford Allotments – A Parish Council perspective The Parish Council was initially lobbied by a determined group of local residents and this was endorsed by the survey results into the preparation of our Parish Plan which revealed that 39% of residents who participated were interested in following up the idea of allotment provision.
Once the need was established the following factors were pivotal to delivering the project:
Site – April 2010 • A focused approach on the part of the Parish Council and a resolve to make it discuss ‘How the economy got personal’ village meeting in March 2009 allotments happen (a brave move for a Parish and his efforts to combat the tightening were top of the agenda. The Weston Council with a very low precept!). It purse strings as he faced redundancy, by Allotment Group (The WAG) was then was seen as a community building turning to growing his own fruit and officially formed. Their inaugural meeting exercise. vegetables in his small garden. The real was in March 2009 where an elected issue for Paul was that his garden just committee of nine local people adopted • The establishment of a positive was not big enough and he dreamt of the constitution and began to pursue the working relationship with the having an allotment. idea of having a place for local people to Allotment Group. Trust had to be grow their own food. established on both sides. Paul decided to raise the issue of the lack of allotment provision to the Weston and Through the group’s partnership work with • The formation of a small informal Basford Parish Council in October 2008, Weston and Basford Parish Council, land working group comprising the Chair and to persuade them of the need for was secured in April 2010 on lease from a and Vice Chair of the Parish Council allotment provision. He started to harvest private landowner just outside the village. and the Chair and Treasurer of the support with a small publicity campaign of Allotment Group. posters in the village. Through his serious With support of grant-giving efforts he managed to get an article about organisations and fundraising activities, • The preparation of a robust business the allotment campaign in the Parish over £7500 has been raised in 12 months plan. Council’s newsletter, which is delivered to and has gone a long way to setting up every household in the parish. and developing the allotment site. There • Success in finding a landowner willing are 32 standard full size plots on the six to negotiate a lease: the Parish Over the following weeks over twenty acre site, with well over 50 local people Council owned no land and an initial people expressed interest in the involved. It has proved to be a great trawl of potential owners proved campaign for allotment provision and Paul and members of a forming group had letters printed in the Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle in an effort to gain even more support.
In January 2009 the Parish Council issued a Parish Plan survey to every house in the parish, in order to gauge the issues that residents felt important. Through his continued efforts Paul had got agreement from the Parish Council to include a question on allotments. There was a return of 340 surveys and 46 people expressed that they were very interested in allotment provision within the Parish and a further 82 people quite interested.
The growing support made the Parish Council take notice and at the annual Site – June 2010
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negative. The Local Authority route • Choosing the right solicitor to communication regarding the hurdles to was dismissed because it was slow process the legals. be overcome along the way was critical and tortuous and would not have to our success. All 32 plots are now let guaranteed a site for the exclusive use The project was made to happen within with a waiting list! of residents within the Parish which 2 years of its inception which must be John Cornell, Chair Weston & Basford was a key objective. something of a record. This proved a Parish Council long time to keep budding allotment • The establishment of trust and holders on side and regular confidence with the chosen landowner. The Parish Council, which was the statutory body in this instance, became the lessee and has sub leased A Final thought . . . to the Allotment Group. In conclusion I believe this project demonstrates that when a real need is • Tailoring the project to suit our local highlighted and there is willingness and trust to work in partnership, great things needs: some of the national advice on can happen. From my initial thought, a seed was sown and now a great project allotment provision proved prescriptive has blossomed and grown as more people have joined in, offered support, seen and misleading, particularly in relation value in this project and made it happen. This should act as encouragement for to planning. other groups, who are in desperate need of allotments, to go out there and make their dream happen. It can be done and the positive impact allotments have is • Getting the local Ward Councillor on beyond imaginable. side and enthusiastic about the project. Our thanks to the following organisations for project funding: -
• Entering into an informal dialogue with Grass Roots Grants, Weston and Basford Parish Council, Cheshire East Council, the Local Planning Authority to The Cooperative Community Fund and Sanctuary Housing. establish the principle and tie up all the Paul W Latham loose ends before submitting the Founder and Chair of the Weston Allotment Group formal planning application: this took over six months.
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A Special Day In The Life Of High Lane Allotments
The 25th July was the 8th Annual Open Day of our site in High Lane village, Stockport but it was to go down in history as a special day in the life of an allotment site as it was the day of the official opening of the site’s extension.
The site is set in a pleasant location with a bowling green on one side, houses on two sides and the Village Hall and open park land on the other. There have been allotments in High Lane since 1933 but it was not until 1998 that the plot holders banded together and formed the High Lane Allotments Association. Up until that point the site had been managed by Stockport Council. There were always vacant and untended plots and water for the site was collected from the canal at the other side of the park and wheelbarrowed back. Much has happened since then.
A committee was formed and plot holder meetings held as the Extension site in September 2009 plot holders set about improving their lot. Small grants were obtained. Working parties laid land drainage and water pipes By now, we were full to bursting with a long waiting list and little across the site. Raised beds were provided for people who, for prospect of any plots being vacated such was the standard of whatever reason found it difficult to manage a normal plot but individual plot management. At our first annual BBQ in 2008 the still wanted to enjoy allotmenteering. In 2003, the Association person who was first on the waiting list asked if there was accepted an invitation from the local horticultural society to join anything she/they could do to better their chances of getting a their open gardens day by throwing the gates of our allotments plot. Reference was made to section 23 of the Allotment Act open to the public. This proved successful, bringing in new plot 1908 whereby action by six people on the local register of holders and then the need for the creation of a waiting list which electors would force the Council into some action; that it might enabled us to give notice to those plot holders who were not be worth them having a go and, coincidentally, mentioning the maintaining their plots. A communal area was created providing area of Council owned unmanaged wood and scrub land a home for a picnic bench donated by the “Friends” of local adjacent to the existing site. And so, the journey began. woodland. A wildlife zone was developed, wood pile, small pond, etc., to improve the balance of nature on site. In addition to the Faced with burgeoning waiting lists across the Borough, the odd small grant, funding came from plant and produce sales Council made significant funds available with the aim of days and the open days. In 2006 and again in 2008 we were reducing the number of people on the lists by 100. We, in High delighted to land the title of “Most Improved Site in the Borough” Lane, were to be one of the beneficiaries of this. The land was which was very rewarding for the effort put in by the plot holders. earmarked in early 2009 but, apart from the removal of the large
Handover to Plotholders 10 April 2010
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This new page in our history was now turned. All that remained was to mark this event formally and so, on the 25 July, local MP Andrew Stunell unveiled a commemorative bench and declared the site extension officially opened. The Mayor of Stockport, Cllr. Hazel Lees, also spoke at the opening ceremony in praise of the effective working partnership between the Association and the Council in bringing about the remarkable transformation from an untidy area to cultivated allotments. Both speakers congratulated the new plot holders on what they had achieved in three months.
There are so many people deserving of recognition in bringing about this achievement but mention must be made of the significant parts played by Ian Goldsby, the Association’s Chairman, whose planning skills and hands-on leadership during the work was invaluable, and Amanda Evans, Allotment Regeneration Officer, Stockport MBC for her drive and determination, and for the proactive, facilitating role she undertook which contributed so much to the effectiveness of the Association/Council partnership. Installation of land drain and water pipes. Paul Green, Secretary High Lane Allotments Association concrete base of the former Girl Guides’ hut and erection of the fence and gates along the new boundary line, work was delayed because of nesting birds (Wild Bird Act).
Eventually, in September 2009, the Council organised site clearance work, removing the trees and scrub. Working to a plan drawn up by our chairman, 40 tons of soil was needed to enable us to undertake some site leveling. The soil was delivered on 10 November which coincided with the beginning of one of the coldest and wettest winters any of us could recall. Undeterred, working parties comprising existing and potential new plot holders started the work of moving the soil by wheelbarrow. Many new friendships were being made during this time. Some 300 indigenous hedging whips were planted along the new fence line. By mid February 2010 it was essential that development work started and although weather only just permitted, a small digger with driver was hired to dig 150 metres of trenches. With the new trenches above ankle-deep in water and with the sides looking pretty precarious and, occasionally, collapsing in, the more stoical volunteers began laying the land drains and water pipes. Perhaps, only once before have so many owed so much to so few.
Finally, as the weather began to improve, the turf pathways were laid and, on 10 April 2010 the plots were handed over to the new plot holders. Extension site under cultivation 4 July 2010
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East Midlands
£10,000 Big Lottery Award Barton Seagrave Allotments Association Mrs S Fleetwood Regional Rep
In the 1930s the minutes of the Barton persevere but it was not easy. To keep Seagrave Allotments Ltd. meetings costs to a minimum we got together a Don’t Fence always reported something about voluntary working party (average age 70 needing a new fence for one reason or years young) and they cleared the old another. Now, at last in July 2010 and fence and all extraneous vegetation Me In thanks to an Awards For All grant of during the very hottest days of the Come on then Mr Chairman £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund, a summer. This left a clear passage for our Please don’t keep us in suspense. new security fence is in place. contractor to install the new fence and Do tell us if we’ve got the grant the whole job finally cost just under To build our brand new fence. Like all allotment sites, we have been £12,000. plagued by vandalism, theft and arson. It will be so exciting The old post and barbed wire fence had To celebrate our success our very own As the work gets underway, deteriorated and become a danger to the poetess, Joy Sykes, was inspired to And we’ll all be there to see it grow public. We applied for a grant in 2008 but compose the following verses. A little more each day. we were unsuccessful. However, if you Mr R. Shadbolt really want something you must A new key will be issued To let us in the gate It all sounds so exciting That I can hardly wait.
Three months later…………
The fence is all complete now We feel much safer here. I think the Big Lottery Fund Should have a mighty cheer.
But hang on – just a minute – There’s no one here but me. They’ve all gone home for dinner But I can’t find my key!!! HELP!!! Joy Sykes
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East Midlands
Best Compost & Painted Compost Bin Competitions Open 1st February 2011
The eleventh annual international Compost Awareness Week Within Leicestershire (CAW) will be celebrated from Sunday 1st to Saturday 7th May there are two 2011 and I would grateful if you would include details of two competitions being Leicestershire events in your calendar so that readers can organised by the participate. Compost Awareness Week aims to encourage more Leicestershire Master people to realise the benefits of home composting and reduce Composters with the waste sent to landfill. support of Leicestershire Waste Partnership, Community Composting Network, Garden Organic and the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG) and other stakeholders. These are for the Best Painted Compost Bin and one for the Best Home produced Compost from compost bin or wormery. Details are available from [email protected].
The aim is to encourage schools, local garden centres and individuals to participate in these and other events during the week. Compost Awareness Week 2011 is our chance to help people to reap the benefits of compost. If everyone gets involved in spreading the compost message, we can improve our gardens and help to create a better environment for future generations. Your support would be appreciated. R Weston Leicestershire/Garden Organics Master Composter Previous winning entries Harvest Your Rainwater as well as The Veg!
Darklands Lane Allotments in their plot. Using yearly average rainfall Swadlincote, South Derbyshire, are a figures for the area the storage areas small self-managed site with just 18 plot were designed to collect a total of 10000 holders. The site has no connected litres of rainwater. mains water and relies on individual used to pump water to individual tanks ingenuity to obtain water throughout the The grant covered the costs for the on member’s plots. The three individual season for gardening. At a recent AGM purchase of a water pump, various bulk containers shown here have been the group decided that a rainwater hoses, pipe work and building materials wrapped in black plastic to reduce algae harvesting system should be considered for the storage bases. The remainder of growth. The plastic has then been as a way of improving water storage and the materials were purchased using our secured with debris netting to stop wind supply across the site. association rent funds that are retained damage. We could have painted the as part of our self-managed arrangement tanks black but this was considered a Our project secured grant funding of with the local council. The bulk storage better option! £725 towards a total project cost of £850 containers had previously been donated from the South Derbyshire CVS Agency and were already in use across the site In just two weeks the first two storage with the objective of harvesting rainwater to varying degrees of usefulness. areas have collected over 600 litres of throughout the year and supplying the rainwater. Our aim is to collect 10000 collected water to plot holders. Plans were drawn for the storage litres over the coming months and if collection areas and work got under way successful develop more storage areas The project aimed to collect water using to construct the frame and roof section across the site. While we do not wish for three separate storage areas across the that would be used to supply water to too much rain we do need some for our site. These would pump the water one of the tanks. A manifold then project to be successful! around the site to fill individual bulk connects all the tanks together and from Alan Walker containers which each plot holder had on this a water pump is connected which is Secretary Darklands Lane Allotments
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Ellistow Allotment Society Pumpkin Event
Ellistown Allotment & Garden Society (EAGS), working with that was described by the judges as creamy and gorgeous and Ellistown Community Primary School, held a Pumpkin Event to Colin Smith won the ‘Best Pumpkin Chutney or Preserve’ with a encourage community involvement in gardening, healthy eating lovely, spicy chutney. and to celebrate Halloween. The event was held in the Community Centre at Ellistown Primary School on Saturday Nigel Cook grew the Allotment Society’s biggest pumpkin 30th October. weighing 153.1lb. In addition to cash prizes the winners were presented with Hobgoblin t-shirts celebrating the unofficial beer The winners of the school competition for the ‘Best Painting’, of Halloween. The largest two pumpkins and a selection of which includes a pumpkin, was Fran Blake with Ruby Walne as carved pumpkins were displayed at Sunnyside Garden Centre runner-up. ‘The Best Carved Pumpkin’ was won by Peter after the event. Smith. Bob Shimwell won the ‘Best Pumpkin Soup’ with a soup Rod Weston
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Tel. 01282 501252 Email. [email protected]
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Notes from the A.G.M
A very successful A.G.M. was held at the Coalbrookdale and allotment matters. His knowledge and Ironbridge Community Centre hosted by Woodside Allotment advice will be much appreciated. Mr Maurice Lander Association. Before the meeting we had the pleasure of visiting Regional Rep this very well laid out and efficiently run site: it has a good Oswestry Gateacre Allotment and range of facilities including clubhouse, shop and toilets. Garden Society were congratulated for their Display at the Shrewsbury Show for which they were awarded a Gold Medal. Along with the national trend our membership continues to Christine Brown has agreed to coordinate our display at the increase and we now have 284 Associations in our region. As of N.E.C. Gardeners World Live Show and Maurice Lander will be December 2009 the total membership was 12,995, an increase organising a display at the Edible Garden Show in March at the of over 1,500 from the previous year. Royal Showground.
The meeting saw the resignation of Paul Gaskin as Secretary The Region’s small grants scheme has seen several after eight years in post. John McNab from Bromsgrove, who has Associations awarded grants to promote allotments and the been our Minutes Secretary, was elected as Secretary and Karin National Society. In Issue 4, 2010 it was great to see the nine Cartwright from North Warwickshire Federation is our new reports from the Associations across the region illustrating the Minutes Secretary. Gordon Shaw, (Bilton, Rugby ) was re-elected achievements of the Associations concerned and showing how as Chairman as was Dave Rawlings (Birmingham) as Treasurer. good management by an enthusiastic Committee can make all the difference. Maurice Lander’s three year term as Regional Representative ends at the National A.G.M. in June and Maurice has said that Finally please note that the A.G.M of the National Society will he is willing to be nominated for another three years. Maurice be held at the Royal Showground, Stoneleigh Park near proposed that Len Parnell be appointed President of the Region Coventry on Saturday June 4th. As this is in our region it would and this was unanimously agreed. Len is, at present, Secretary be good to see a large number of delegates from the area in of the Coventry and District Allotment Council. He has been attendance. President of the National Society and has vast experience of John McNab, Secretary.
Enthusiastic pupils enjoy the experience of gardening
An allotment site has been created near Balsall Common by are available on plots for extra rent. This site serves a need in Blooms Garden Centre in Solihull. A nearby School has taken a an area of low provision of L.A. sites and it has the benefit of plot and enthusiastic pupils are enjoying the experience of the facilities at the adjacent retail outlet. gardening. Other schools are showing an interest and will Len Parnell probably be taking on plots too. There is a cross section of West Midlands ages amongst the adult plot holders. Sheds and greenhouses
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Kings Heath Show Results BIRMINGHAM & DISTRICT ALLOTMENTS COUNCIL A fine feast at The Gardener’s Show 4 - 5 September 2010 Watery Lanes There were 58 entrants including 7 children.
Best Children’s exhibit Allotments Ben Hodge – Springfield Road Allotments On the same day as the Curcubit Vegetable Class 3-36 competition one of our plot holders who 1st Mr T J Pullen - Springfield Road Allotments 38 points is a former venture scout leader prepared 2nd Mr W J Henry - Wheelers Lane Allotments 31 points and cooked an end of season meal. All 3rd Mr B Carr - Westbourne Road Allotments 25 points food was donated by plot holders of course and, needless to say, there was Flower Class 38-54 plenty of fruit and vegetables. We had a 1st Mr T J Pullen - Springfield Road Allotments 48 points choice of 3 starters 3 main courses and equal 2nd Mr P Boylan - Springfield Road Allotments 10 points several puddings. A number of people Mr S A Merrill - Blackpitts Lane Allotments 10 points came and the weather was perfect: our day ended with a BBQ in the evening. Small Collections We plan to have a turkey roast for Vegetable 3x3ft Class 3 1st Mr T J Pullen - Springfield Road Allotments Christmas! I think we will really have to Vegetable 2x2ft Class 4 1st Mr W J Henry - Wheelers Lane Allotments wrap up for that one but we Flower 2x2ft Class 38 1st Mr T J Pullen - Springfield Road Allotments allotmenteers are a tough breed.
Large 6x3ft Collections One of our newest plot holders Mrs Flower, Fruit & Veg Class 1 1st Kings Norton Village Allotments Barbara Maiden won our first ever Vegetable Class 2 1st Wheelers Lane Allotments Curcubit competition. The pumpkin Cut Flowers Class 37 1st May Lane Allotments weighed in at 8st 13lbs. This is her first season on the site. Mr Maurice Lander PHILIP DAVIS West Midlands Regional Representative
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48 Allotment Issue 1 2011 56pp_Layout 1 17/01/2011 14:14 Page 49
Eastern
A transcript of the presentation was Regional report sent to each delegate for reference and hopefully for them to continue to increase their knowledge and Hello all. Once again, it is time to write my regional report (I am eventually be able to pass this on in a Karen Kenny late sending this in, as usual). confident manner. Regional Rep
The number of enquiries and queries continues to rise as the Thanks to Dave Empson and Dave Rogers for facilitating this demand for allotments also continues to rise and as new workshop and congratulations to Dave Empson to whom, tenants of all ages take on plots this creates new and surrounded by the people from the area that he has worked so invigorated feelings for Associations. ’New blood’ enabling the hard for over the years, we were able to present his Honorary fantastic band of ‘old guard’ officers to finally start to consider NSALG Vice president’s medal for services to allotments in the the possibility of passing on the mantle to others, to take their Beds area for over thirty five years. He has also served as Associations and allotments sites into the future. Secretary and Treasurer over many years for the Eastern Region. One of the interesting developments causing an even bigger rise in information sought is from Parish Councils that have We have had successes and disappointments in this past suddenly found themselves inheriting, from District Councils, quarter. We almost had some land in a Suffolk/Essex border some old and sometimes neglected sites with limited village when at the last minute a hitch with the landowner over management over the years. Hence they are trying to sort out a legal matter concerning the land got in the way. In Bucks the all manner of serious allotment management issues so that they news was better as we managed to assist with a little rent can regenerate and create some really good management problem one group was experiencing but it has now been practices and work with either established, refreshed or often solved and a new understanding is arising between Association new Associations where there had been none, to improve and Local Authority. facilities for the future of these sites. Just a small window into the Eastern Region, and by the time It is the partnership of tenants’ Associations and Local this is being read hopefully everyone will have enjoyed a great Authorities working together that can lead to positive results festive season and recovered from the New Year celebrations and this is gradually spreading as more and more working and be back to planning the new season’s sowing and partnerships are formed. plantings. Have you decided what new and exciting produce you are going to try this year? I wonder how many tons of The Local Authorities are seeking assistance and so are the manure, garden tools and vouchers Santa brought our Associations. In October a successful training workshop was members this year. held for the Beds, Bucks and Herts association in Flitwick, Bedfordshire. The workshop was attended by thirty four Happy gardening in 2011. delegates covering twenty one Associations. Feedback has Karen Kenny been excellent and delegates are eager for more workshops. Regional Representative Offers of venues for future workshops have already been made. Prize for the best allotment in the village
This photo is of myself, Trevor Barton and Fran Shortt. We are proud allotment gardeners on plot 42 of Hitchens Fields, Wheathampstead and we have just won ‘The best allotment in the village’ prize, 2010. You can see our polytunnel in the background. Trevor Barton
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South East
South East Regional Report
It has been a busy last quarter of the year. In October I visited On this visit they set up an association Brabourne where the Parish Council were offered land for and joined the NSALG. I was invited Mr Peter Neame allotments by a local brewery ‘Shepherd Neame’. I visited the back this November to a BBQ and I Regional Rep proposed site with Susan Wood, the Clerk of the Parish was very impressed with their Council, and other Councillors. I was informed soon after that achievements: it is a very friendly site. the lease was signed on December 1st and I have since been back to discuss setting up an association and to give advice In between visiting sites and answering numerous phone and assistance on joining the NSALG. queries I visited Hartley to judge their autumn show. The number of entries and the quality was most impressive but the Iwade has land earmarked for allotments display by Hartley Primary School of the and has joined the NSALG: I met with produce they had grown was amazing – their committee members when they see photo. visited Hawkinge site to look and see what can be done when you have a The Wisley autumn show ‘A Taste of committee and work together (Hawkinge Autumn’ had representatives of NSALG report appeared in issue 4. 2010). manning a stand and answering numerous questions on gardening and allotments: In 2009 I was invited to visit a private four very busy days. site at Boughton-under-Blean near Peter Neame Faversham: a local farmer had created South East Regional Report an allotment site on a former hop field.
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South West
Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
Bampton allotments are situated on a south facing slope within distributing it, via to a simple syphon, Allan Cavill the green rolling hills of mid Devon. The soil contains a lot of to water butts situated on the Regional Rep shale and as a result is well draining. In the past there has been allotments. The IBCs (£15 each) and no formal association, the allotments being run on an ad hoc water butts (200 litre; £5 each) were sourced from a local basis, monies being paid direct to Bampton Town Council (BTC). cosmetic company. The means of gathering the rainwater was discussed at length, sheds not being permitted at the site, until Imagine our shock and horror when it was discovered, in spring we had an eureka moment! The IBCs are one meter cubes: if 2010, that the South West Water Authority, without you cut the top off and reversed it, you had the required one consultation, had disconnected the mains water supply. metre square catchment area. Each allotment would have its Coinciding with particularly dry weather we were thrown into own IBC, plus two water butts. For the sake of neatness and crisis, not of our own making. A meeting of the allotment uniformity the IBCs would be wrapped with a 4m x1m split holders was held, possibly the first, where we learnt the cost of bamboo screen. The total cost being, IBCs £135; water butts reconnection would be approximately £1500. This sum was £90; bamboo screens £126, giving a grand total of £351. prohibitory, many of the holders being pensioners or living on limited means. It was also our opinion that our £30 per annum The Association (BAA) addressed the Council (BTC), detailing included the provision of a water supply. Various options were our above plan, and also requesting permission (granted) to discussed, one of which was the self-sustaining collection of take over the lease of the site direct from the Mid Devon District rainwater. Council. Our dues will in the future be subs, payable direct to the Association, which in turn will pay the nominal site rent, and Following the meeting an approach was made to Mr Allan for public liability insurance (a grey area in the past). The Cavill, our local NSALG representative, who agreed to attend balance will be used towards the maintenance and our next meeting. He brought with him knowledge, support, enhancement of the allotments. sound advice, and a way forward. He strongly encouraged the ecological collection of rainwater, suggesting the first step To finance our rainwater gathering scheme the Association was being to establish the local annual rainfall. This proved to be a given £80 by the BTC. We also successfully applied for a grant staggering 1300mm for each of the past three years; a water of £400 from our District Councillor, Polly Colthorpe. Ecological, catchment area of 1 sq. m would annually gather 1300 litres self-sustaining rainwater harvesting ticks all the boxes. (1500 or so litres p.a. usually being sufficient for the average allotment). With the help of Mr Cavill, the Bampton Allotment 2010 started out as a difficult year; however, our cloud had a Association (BTC) was formed and at the same time we joined silver lining. We have formed a happy and united Allotment NSALG. The advantages of being an association are that you Association, installed our rainwater gathering scheme, and are become a recognised body, you can open a bank account, in the process of taking over the lease of the allotment site. negotiate with any relevant authority and apply for grants. NSALG have offered their free legal service should it be necessary. We look forward to a successful and bountiful 2011. As previously mentioned, the allotments are situated on a Duncan Manning. slope. Our scheme envisaged gathering the water at the top of Bampton Allotment Association. each allotment, holding it in 1000 litre IBC plastic tanks and
OBITUARY Susan Joyce Dixon
It is with sadness that we were informed of the death of Susan Joyce Dixon who died on the 1st December 2010. Susan was the wife of Neil Dixon, former regional representative for the South West, and Chairman of The National Allotments Garden Trust.
Our thoughts are with Neil and the family.
NSALG Head Office
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South West
Exminster Parish Allotment Society
After having a heart attack, almost a year ago, it was were concerned that we could only get a small amount of full recommended that I take up some form of exercise like walking size allotments on it, after reading an article about smaller or gardening, better still, take up an allotment. My name had allotments we asked all the people on our list what size plot been on the Parish Council’s waiting list for a good couple of they wanted? Well what a shock we got – nobody wanted a ten years so I gave them a ring to find out what my current position pole plot. was on the list. I was third. Sounds great but with only two allotments in the village and an agreement with the church for What they wanted was a smaller piece of land that they could them to take on some of the list it seemed I could be waiting for easily manage, either 100 sq. mtrs or 50 sq. mtrs. With pencil a pair of dead man’s shoes. and paper in hand we went to work, working out the maximum number we could get on this land: from about 8 /10 pole plots I decided to go to a Parish Council meeting and ask what they we drew and redrew the site. It now holds 49 plots, the majority intended to do about providing allotments for the village: their being 50 sq.mtrs and we have a prospective plot holder for answer was the usual one, “we are looking into it’. every one of them.
With this in mind I put a notice up asking for anybody who was We are now nearly at the end of negotiations with the Parish interested in an allotment to contact me: I also contacted Allan Council and hope to be digging early in the New Year. We Cavill from NSALG who agreed to meet with us and we formed would like to say a big thank you to Allan and the team at Exminster Parish Allotment Society. NSALG for all their help and support throughout: without them it would have taken much longer. We started talking to the council about a piece of land they David Gibson owned in the village. As it was a small piece of land and they Exminster Parish Allotment Society
Great Tree Farm – the first allotment site in Looe Cornwall
Those of you who are familiar with East Since the establishment of the allotments chickens, and a small Shetland pony which and West Looe from holiday visits will Rob has also reached agreement with give interest for members with children. know how hilly it is on both sides of the “Colin the Cod” a local chippy of harbour. In the past both towns had considerable renown to open a fish and Our Inaugural Meeting of Looe (Great narrow long walled gardens running chip restaurant on site. Great Tree Tree Farm) Allotment Association was down the steep slopes but these were allotment holders will therefore be able to held on 27th November and we were very taken over by later building development both sell produce and enjoy a good fish & grateful and pleased that Allan Cavill from so until very recently Looe was one of chips supper after a hard day’s digging! NSALG was able to talk about the the few towns in Cornwall with no National Association and give us valuable available allotment site. All plots on the allotment site were instantly advice. This was much appreciated. taken up. The site has a lovely south Currently Looe Town Council is looking With over sixty potential allotmenteers on easterly aspect overlooking a wooded for a second site to satisfy the remaining the Council waiting list Councillor valley with distant sea views. Elsewhere on 30 plus on the waiting list. Armand Toms and members started the Farm Shop Holding is a small pen with Chairman of Looe Allotment searching for a suitable site in 2008. three piglets, a flock of Guinea fowl and Association
Finally this autumn a successful approach to a local farm shop (Great Tree Farm) was made by members Les & Sheila Ternan. They discovered that the leaser, Rob Otley, had about one and a half acres of “spare” land. Rob was very enthusiastic and required little persuasion to use the land to accommodate over thirty allotments.
With his farm shop adjacent to the allotment site Rob was keen to come to an arrangement with allotmenteers to buy what would be very local and sustainable produce. In addition, for a slightly increased plot fee, plot holders are able to sell surplus produce through the shop and share use of some redundant polytunnels.
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Wales
Bridgend County Allotments, Wales
In the summer of 2009 our Allotment Association was pressed to know when the allotments contacted by Valleys to Coast (V2C), a large Housing would be completed. Association, asking our advice about their plan to reinstate a Mr A Rees MBE derelict site in Pyle as an allotment. They knew this was going Metal baskets filled with stone, Regional Rep to be a very difficult undertaking, as the site was surrounded by (Gabions), were built all around the houses, completely overgrown, and had been used as a perimeter, membrane was laid, and clean soil brought in to dumping ground for many years We advised that there was a completely cover the whole site. Although the scale of the job huge demand for new allotments in the area, so they enlisted far exceeded the early project plans, work continued through the help of “Tidy Towns”, a Welsh Assembly funded partnership the autumn and winter, until by spring of 2010 the allotment with Bridgend Council and Keep Wales Tidy, and proceeded was ready to welcome its new tenants. with their plan to clear and fence the proposed allotment site. The allotment holders were lined up ready with their seeds and Little did they know what lay ahead. When the overgrowth had spades as soon as the last load of soil was tipped and the been hacked away, the full extent of the “dumping” became paths were in place. Rachel Morton, of V2C said, “The local clear. More than 1000 tons of rubbish and fly-tipped material residents were pushing us on to finish in time for this growing was eventually removed from the site. But, Tidy Towns did not season, and it was their enthusiasm that kept us going. They just send everything off to landfill – the green waste was didn’t just sit back waiting for things to be done for them, they shredded, and all the rubbish separated into plastics, metal and got out themselves and cleared and worked the site.” wood for re-cycling. The new allotment has now become the 11th member of our The local residents, who by now had formed a group and were Association, with 22 plots being cultivated by residents from fully behind the allotment idea, came out in force to help. They the local area. There was a huge amount of interest in the donned their wellies and gloves and set about removing the scheme, with tenancies being snapped up as soon as they decades of waste – chemical containers, mattresses, computers, were available. We are sure the new allotment will go from even a whole spa bath was carted away from the site! strength to strength and fully justify the time and effort put in by everyone involved. But bad news, which could have brought a premature end to the scheme, was waiting in the wings–the results of tests which Local Councillor Mr. Clive James said at the opening ceremony, had been carried out showed contaminants in the soil. This “A huge amount of work has been done for the community, and was a body blow when so much time and money had already an excellent facility now exists for the benefit of residents”. been spent, but V2C made the difficult decision to carry on in Lynda Williams, Secretary light of the anticipation of local residents who constantly Bridgend County Allotment Association.
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Wales
Whilst there has been a good deal of are under negotiation. We are also Rhymney Valley scepticism on the part of some sites, we attempting to increase the boundaries of have been encouraged by the forward two allotments in order to provide more Here is a brief update following the last thinking and positive approach taken by plots. Also during the LDP consultation group meeting of the Rhymney Valley others who are looking forward to a process we have agreed that allotments side (51 sites). The Council undertook to degree of independence and possible will be given a high priority when it arrange a full audit of each site to long term leases. As is often the case in comes to open space allocations on new ascertain their condition and any major these complex situations, there will housing developments. issues of concern by the allotment inevitably be two camps and the move to associations which may need to be complete self-management may be a We are committed to trying to address addressed prior to new Tenancy slow process. the allotment demand from Caerphilly Agreements (or leases) being issued and County residents and even though full independence. Quite rightly, some After the audit is complete in Rhymney funding is very tight, there are avenues to allotments were concerned about Valley, our full time planning technicians be explored which will attract external possible costly legacy issues which may will be undertaking the same exercise in funding opportunities. be too onerous for the sites to address Islwyn, which already operates a without financial help. Federation system very successfully. When I have some concrete information Again, this mapping exercise will provide on new sites I will let you know and this The information obtained through this the Council with very useful data and will be another good news story for the audit will be invaluable as far as data is statistics which will improve our reporting magazine! concerned both for the Council and for to WAG and assist the LDP process. Nigel Powell allotment associations who may be in a Outdoor Leisure Development Officer stronger position to seek external grant On a very positive note, we have been Directorate of Education and Leisure funding. Some have already been given approval to lease out two new Caerphilly successful. areas of land to be allocated as County Borough Council allotments and we have two more which Courses at Aberystwyth University (School of Education and Lifelong Learning)
Course Name Location Course Start Tutor An Introduction to Permaculture Tanygroes 28/01/11 Angela Polkey Machynlleth An Introduction to Permaculture 04/03/11 Angela Polkey CAT Machynlleth Ecology 11/03/11 Jan Martin CAT Machynlleth Identifying Mosses, Liverworts & Lichens 25/03/11 Margaret Howells CAT Geology - An Introduction Aberystwyth 30/03/11 Barry Thomas Woodland Birds Aberystwyth 09/04/11 David Anning & Phillip Ward Machynlleth David Anning Bird Identification 29/04/11 CAT Botany for Gardening Machynlleth CAT 20/5/11 Chloe Ward Machynlleth Plant Diversity 06/05/11 Sarah Watson-Jones CAT Plants in their Habitats Aberystwyth 18/05/11 Margaret Howells Machynlleth Diversity of Invertebrates in West Wales 20/05/11 Phillip Ward CAT
Pond and Stream Invertebrate Life Cilgerran Welsh Wildlife Centre 11/06/11 Phillip Ward
Understanding British Mammals 1: Lampeter 03/06/11 Rob Strachan Gnawers, Nibblers and Insect Crunches Denmark Farm Understanding British Mammals 1: Machynlleth 10/06/11 Rob Strachan Gnawers, Nibblers and Insect Crunches CAT Lampeter Identifying Flowering Plants 17/06/11 Margaret Howells Denmark Farm Prices £60 (concession £50) – £75 (concession £65) plus 10% discount for early booking For more information about the course or for an enrolment form, contact the Science Coordinator: Paula Hughes School of Education and Lifelong Learning, Aberystwyth University Tel: 01970 622682 email: [email protected]
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