A site is born - almost

[piskieinboots]

Many of you know I’m moving, many of you know I managed to secure a lottie before securing a quarter – now I (almost) have two lotties

There is one amongst us (here) who spotted me through my Henlow-bound thread, he is a RAF Officer, based at Henlow, who has a dream to get allotments set up on RAF Henlow turf – almost unheard of, brave chap!

Said RAF Officer contacted me through here and asked if I would be interested in helping him. Would I!! Hold me back

So, TheBeeKeeper has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure permission from the ‘one that matters’ and today we hear he has done so. Well done TBK

So dearest Grapeeees, what do we (me ‘n he) need to consider when approaching a grassed area, approx 1½ rugby (I can’t measure in footie) pitches in size – should we want to turn them into goodly growing areas?

We have things like consideration of neighbours, provision of water, possible fencing etc on the list – what have we missed?

I am on to NSALG to gleen advice, but we all know you lot at the bestestest ever in giving advice, ideas, thoughts, encouragement, support

[HeyWayne]

Isn't the GW garden an ex rugby pitch?

Give 'em a shout.

[piskieinboots]

Wouldn't that mean cameras and Toby and Alys and so forth

[SarzWix]

Tool storage? Will there be individual sheds, or a big communal one? Are you going to get the turf stripped off, or just measure out plots and let each plot-holder deal with their own?
How about saving a plot for a communal orchard, and that way no problems with huge trees on plots?

Ummm... I'll think some more.

[Bigmallly]

Aye, you'll have to buy some lippy............

[piskieinboots]

Ummm... I'll think some more.

Thanks Sarz, much appreciated

[piskieinboots]

Aye, you'll have to buy some lippy............

It really wouldn't suit TBK

[Jeanied]

What about things like manure delivery, wood deliveries for raised beds - topsoil - need to sort out access and security on the gates.

[Hans Mum]

BBQ/communal area for after a hard days graft, water butts or rainwater collection system, communal bays for manure/chipings storage if you can get them delivered in bulk.
Equipment if your plots are divided like ours by grass paths you'll need a mower to keep them in check.
Beehives - we have an area at the top of the site that the local beekeeper keeps several hives on

[piskieinboots]

Excellent stuff, thanks so much - it's very exciting

[T8Ter]

An onsite shop? (once plots are sorted and funds are available)the one on the lottie near me (I'm now only 49th on the list ) opens 2 half days a week and is an old railway carriage, you could start looking at suppliers for deals on seeds/canes /trays etc.
Any mushroom farms near that may want to get rid of their compost in large,regular quantities.
Whatever you do though good luck as I'm sure it'll be very rewarding but very hard work.

[piskieinboots]

Thank you T8Ter and I really hope you get to No: 1 soonest

[TheBeeKeeper]

Hi All,

Excellent tips so far, had considered the idea of BBQ and benches area, but absolutely LOVE the idea of a fruit orchard. Will probably need to restrict the root stock types though.

Will also be approaching the nursery next door (on camp) to see if they would like a small area for the kids to grow some veg! That may also smooth the way with stealing their water supply!

TBK

[Bren In Pots]

Will also be approaching the nursery next door (on camp) to see if they would like a small area for the kids to grow some veg! That may also smooth the way with stealing their water supply!TBK

That's a good idea and you can start them off with any spare seeds or plants you have.

[TheBeeKeeper]

That's a good idea and you can start them off with any spare seeds or plants you have.

I can't claim the idea as my own.... t'was Suzie!

TBK