The ideal Allotment Site, what does it have?

[organic]

Not asking for much, are you Stephen? Haha.

[Alison]

My list:
1. A position right next to your house, like a jammy workmate of mine, whose back garden backs on to the site his allotment's on.
2. Lots of weeds nearby, to use as compost material. The above-mentioned site has a patch of waste ground adjoining, covered in nettles, willowherb and bindweed.
3. A high, sturdy fence and gate.
4. A level, sunny site, with no nearby trees.
5. A shed and water supply provided.
6. Permission to plant small fruit trees.
7. A clear, ready-to-sow plot when you move in.
8. Friendly fellow allotmenteers, practising organic methods - I don't want non-organic sprays drifting on to my crops.
9. A position away from busy roads or railways, for peace and quiet.
10. A real-ale-selling pub nearby.

Again, another list which is somebody's ideal but which wouldn't all suit me! As I said before, it is interesting seeing what different things we all want.

Agree with 1, 6 and 8, 4, 5 and 10 would be nice, don't care one way or another about 3 and 9, can't imagine why anybody would want bind weed (2) and am glad I had to clear my plot (7) as it's made it really mine from the first cutting down of bramble to the first pulling of a radish (which was my first ever lottie crop!)

[HeyWayne]

My list:
4. A level, sunny site, with no nearby trees.

As someone who has a site like this, I would appreciate some trees to act as a wind break. Being open to the elements can be as disadvantageous, as it can be, well, advantageous.

[StephenH]

can't imagine why anybody would want bind weed (2) and am glad I had to clear my plot (7) as it's made it really mine from the first cutting down of bramble to the first pulling of a radish (which was my first ever lottie crop!)

I wouldn't want bindweed on or next to my plot, but a weedy spot near the site is useful for compost material. As for 7 - yes, on second thoughts, I see your point. Knocking an overgrown plot into shape could be fun.

[StephenH]

Not asking for much, are you Stephen? Haha.

Well, it is my list for an ideal site. I wouldn't expect to get all of those conditions.

[harrybrew69]

If you aren't near mains water access what about arranging to have a few boreholes drilled and hand pumps built.

lenny henry and bob geldof could come and help with the digging.

[Alison]

Wouldn't you need to have an abstraction license to put a borehole in?

[chriscross1966]

A site pig for breaking in new plots by clearing out the weed roots.....

[weekendwellies]

A site pig for breaking in new plots by clearing out the weed roots.....

Funnily enough, I was thinking that on Sunday, when I was battling some of my uncleared space, especially when it started to rain, but it passed after 10mins.
The rain that is, not the thought of the pigs.
Must have been put into my head by the mag article.

[matthew2riches]

The thing I'd like is a site free of any do-gooders and busybodies.