Communal Composting

[zazen999]

Phil - thanks for this info. - it lends weight to my view that this is a bad proposal. I think individual Daleks even if they are sited at the periphery of the site are a far better option than a Communal area - I am presuming that each will have a plot no.

Why at the periphery? I put daleks on the beds, and then once a year, lift them, take the uncomposted stuff out and back into the dalek in it's new position and then rake the composted stuff straight onto the bed. Saves hours barrowing. Takes about 5 mins to set the new one up. Why are the committee trying to be so controlling?

[Two_Sheds]

Why are the committee tryign to be so controlling?

cos that's what committees do?

(they seem to attract the bossy lot who want to tell everyone else how to do stuff)

[veggiechicken]

I have been nominated for the Committee so will be able to get this and other points across at the AGM

cos that's what committees do?

(they seem to attract the bossy lot who want to tell everyone else how to do stuff)

Well, Shen, that's telling you
(PS - I don't think you're bossy)

[Sheneval]

VC - thank you - bossy perhaps not, but I can be awkward, as the Secretary now knows since I have sent her two emails deriding this proposal quoting the type of responses I have had from those on this thread who have experience of this type of facility

To be fair to the Committee, it seems they just want to stop those who are dumping their unwanted weeds, soil and rubbish next to the periphery fence, where the heap is now higher than the chicken wire, which runs along the bottom of the surrounding fence to keep the rabbits out.

The heap is so close to the fence some of the posts are being pushed out.

I think they may well copy Phil's sites idea of eventually spreading the material round the adjacent area.

[binley100]

cos that's what committees do?

(they seem to attract the bossy lot who want to tell everyone else how to do stuff)

Would just like to point out that not all committees are like that ........

[zazen999]

VC - thank you - bossy perhaps not, but I can be awkward, as the Secretary now knows since I have sent her two emails deriding this proposal quoting the type of responses I have had from those on this thread who have experience of this type of facility

To be fair to the Committee, it seems they just want to stop those who are dumping their unwanted weeds, soil and rubbish next to the periphery fence, where the heap is now higher than the chicken wire, which runs along the bottom of the surrounding fence to keep the rabbits out.

The heap is so close to the fence some of the posts are being pushed out.

I think they may well copy Phil's sites idea of eventually spreading the material round the adjacent area.

If people are dumping weeds then address the weed dumping - having a communal compost heap will just shift the problem.

Perhaps it's because of the one dalek rule that this is an issue in the first place?

[Sheneval]

If people are dumping weeds then address the weed dumping - having a communal compost heap will just shift the problem.

Perhaps it's because of the one dalek rule that this is an issue in the first place?

I agree, but from the amount involved, this has obviously been taking place for some years - perhaps the Committee members did not want to be accused of being bossy in the past, so felt it more politic not interfere?

The one Dalek rules seems strange to me too, but I am unaware of why or when it was laid down and intend to question it at the AGM. However, I doubt if that is the root cause of the problem - far more likely those involved were just unwilling to dig a hole or holes in their plot/s for their unwanted weeds, possibly due to the sheer volume of same, or take them to the Council Dump for disposal.

I know from the number of trips I made to the Council Recycling Centre that there was a lot of heavy work involved. It would have been a far easier option just to dump them off the plot on to the common ground surrounding the plots.

[zazen999]

Is it Japanese Knotweed?

[Sheneval]

No - just the usual docks, buttercups, couch grass, brambles etc. etc.

There was Japanese Knotweed on the site but the Council dealt with that late last year.

[binley100]

P'haps the site would benefit from some helpful hints in dealing with weeds......ie death by drowning or suffocation .
We don't allow dumping of any kind .......everyone has to deal with their own weeds, waste etc be it by taking away to the tip, composting, burning etc........and any issues are brought up at regular gardeners meetings . (ok p'haps thats being bossy but in a good way )

[zazen999]

No - just the usual docks, buttercups, couch grass, brambles etc. etc.

There was Japanese Knotweed on the site but the Council dealt with that late last year.

I compost everything...I think the committee's time might be better served by running a weed management workshop!

[binley100]

snap...........

[Sheneval]

P'haps the site would benefit from some helpful hints in dealing with weeds......ie death by drowning or suffocation .
We don't allow dumping of any kind .......everyone has to deal with their own weeds, waste etc be it by taking away to the tip, composting, burning etc........and any issues are brought up at regular gardeners meetings . (ok p'haps thats being bossy but in a good way )

I agree with your attitude to dumping on site - I think burning is not allowed - might be a Council rule - they may be afraid of surrounding trees catching fire - I think the rule is ignored from time to time by some of those who don't want to either dump or take off site.

They don't hold gardener's meetings only Committee meetings - I suspect they are only there because the Council would not operate the site directly, despite any requirement to provide facilities.

I will learn more when I join the Committee as requested by my friend who does much/most of the work required on site and who is looking for back up

[Sheneval]

P'haps the site would benefit from some helpful hints in dealing with weeds......ie death by drowning or suffocation .

I think that is fine once you have an established plot and have time to separate the docks etc. from the lesser problem weeds; also by that time you will have a compost heap or Dalek and a water butt.

I think initially people just want to clear their plot and get growing - the finer points are fine once you get some experience under your belt - can you honestly say you were doing what you do now from day one?

[binley100]

Yes.........I've never just dumped my weeds.
Take two buckets when weeding........one for annual type stuff (if your not just hoeing it off and leaving as a mulch) and one for thinks like docks. They can be left in bucket of water to drown or suffocated in a bin bag.
Bonfires , we are only allowed after 6pm or at weekends......
Intitail clearing of plot.....tis no more bother to dig out docks first before clearing the rest...
Gardeners meetings are in place once a month to discuss and pass on any information that may arise from committee meetings and any other issues .......how else do you let the site members know whats happening.....