Is it trespassing?

[Tracebe]

Good morning all,

We have two people on our site that think they are above the rules. One of them takes produce from plots that she thinks is going to bolt!! They regularly wander around plots looking and commenting on what people have done and now it's my turn. A couple of weeks ago I was asked to move my compost bins from a boundary fence as the neighbours don't like it - I moved it all, but the "two" decided to move all the stacked up broken branches that had fallen on our side from a tree (in neighbouring garden) on to my plot and cut down all the weeds at the back of my plot without permission. I had wanted to leave a small patch of nettles for wildlife. Then two days later I found out that they had walked down my path comenting on stuff and generally being nosey. Is that classed as trespassing? I e-mailed the Chairman and secretary (one of the two is secretarys wife!!) and I have now been called to a meeting later this week with the chairman and vice chairman. I feel like I'm the one in trouble! Am I going to be told I had no right to complain and people are allowed to use the paths between plots?
Any avice will be gratefully recieved as feeling very low about it.

Thanks
Tracebe

[Two_Sheds]

Go along to the meeting with a friendly cooperative attitude, and just tell them what you told us. I have "mutterers" too, but they're on the committee so I have to tread carefully.

To their eyes, my plot is untidy: I don't do straight rows, and I don't have any bare soil
I feel like they're looking for an excuse to kick me off, because I don't do what everyone else does (straight rows, bare soil & chemical-everything)

[Tracebe]

Thanks two sheds. I have been trawling the net for advice about plot paths but cannot find much. My plot is clean, neat and tidy, one small patch of annual weeds and that is it. The paths are neatly trimmed and grass cut every weekend. They had no need to be there what so ever - neither are on the committee I just want answeres as to what gives them the damn right to go where they please. One of them stood talking to another plot holder opposite me last year - as she was talking she was turning around and eating the raspberries from a bush on the plot behind her!! Infuriating!!
How do you deal with these people and make em see they are doing wrong.....
Sorry ... rant over

[CaroltheCarrot]

Ditto what Two Sheds said^. I take it your plot is not fenced off if they can just wander onto it.
Can you put a fence up or is this not allowed on your site.
As for the taking of produce,bolting or otherwise, that is just plain theft

[Nicos]

Yes- that is trespass. You are the tenant and in charge for the duration of the tenancy subject to the rules of your allotment association.

It is however to be expected that people will have a wander and show an interest by looking at what other people are up to. But it stops there. No-one has a right to do anything on your plot without your permission - other that your landlord/committee ( with notice of course)

As an aside-
How can they know whether or not someone is growing something specifically for it's seeds ( think of heritage varieties)
or- as in your case, providing a small wildlife area.

Have you got a copy of the rules you can refer to??? ( that would also tell you about who has access to which paths)

[Tracebe]

Ditto what Two Sheds said^. I take it your plot is not fenced off if they can just wander onto it.
Can you put a fence up or is this not allowed on your site.
As for the taking of produce,bolting or otherwise, that is just plain theft

Hi no plot is not fenced off - not allowed! not even allowed sheds! thanks for reply

[Tracebe]

Hi CTC and Nicos,
No, the plot is not fenced off. Not allowed fences or even a shed!!
There is a communal path that runs along the far end of the plot that allows access to plots beyond mine - I expect people walking along there and looking up I don't mind that but they were actually walking up between mine and my neighbours plots. I prob wouldn't be so worried if one of them didn't have a theft record! I feel like she's eyeing up my produce for an assault later in the year.

Thanks for replys

[dominic10]

What are their plots like? You might have a look before your meeting. We have 11 pages of rules and regulations including not interfering with someone's peaceful enjoyment of their plot or words to that effect i.e. not being a nuisance. Is it a council run site - could you have a tactful chat with the person in charge there. Or could they come to the meeting with you? Or could you take someone else with you?

[Tracebe]

Hi Dominic10
We have rules and regs which state pretty much the same thing, their plots are ok - not the best by far (don't need to be when you pinch off others plots) it's not a council site, the assosiation is put together by locals who wanted a site but with help from parish council. My neighbour is coming with me as it's theoretically her path they used also. I'm hoping I am wrong and it will be a supporting meeting where they will tell me that they have been spoken too and won't do it again but knowing how tight they all are together .... I just have a bad feeling. The site has been going for four years, I've only been there a year and have never got on with the thief since day one (very bossy, rude and loud).

Thanks all for advice, will let you know what happens.

[Nicos]

One word of warning...don't call her a thief at the meeting unless you have seen her do so or she has been proved to have done so. ( slander n all that )

[veggiechicken]

Personally, I never minded anyone walking along the paths between the plots and I did it myself. Its one way of learning what other's are growing and comparing their crops and methods with your own.
BUT I would take exception to anyone walking on my plot or interfering with anything thereon. And that includes moving or removing, borrowing or theft.
Good luck!

[Tracebe]

One word of warning...don't call her a thief at the meeting unless you have seen her do so or she has been proved to have done so. ( slander n all that )

Good point

[alldigging]

There should be no reason to interfere with a cultivated plot!
It's a downright cheek.

[Tracebe]

Well put alldigging

[Two_Sheds]

Can you put a fence up

Hi no plot is not fenced off - not allowed!

We're not allowed fences either: so I've got a raspberry fedge and a load of chicken wire/bamboo canes (pea supports, not fences Officer)