GULP - starting completely from scratch - advice please

[CandJ]

We've recently moved to a vilage in Suffolk which currently has three allotments - all taken. On arrival we asked the parish council to keep us in mind if any others came up - and now they have. Yahey!

BUT....the plot is about an acre and has been used for the last 20 odd years as a radio controlled car racetrack!?! It has no water supply and is a foot deep in grass and goodness knows what else. We feel that on our own we miss out on the whole point of allotmenteering (we had a plot in Horsham, where we used to live and loved the social side) and we'd be more susceptible to vandalism etc.

So - i'm seeking advice. My huncn is to go to the parish council and say we're keen to be involved in setting up an association/getting further support etc but we really can't do it alone, as we both work full time. I wondered if anyone had any experience of doing this from scratch and any handy hints/advice/useful contacts etc.

Cheers, J

[heebiejeebie]

Wow! You have a fantastic (if tiring) opportunity there!

Could you start by askinh them if they could at least strim it for you and contact other people in the area who want an allotment to muck in?

[OverWyreGrower]

Does your area have a local gardening/horticultural club? Speak to them

You could always ask local schools and clubs (e.g. brownies, scouts etc) to get involved as well, maybe they will want part of a plot?

[Paulottie]

1.i. Ask parish council if they would consider ploughing/topping the site to get you started. Someone will know someone with equip to do it for resonable price. see if they will give you a small budget and what the rents will be.
ii. see if they will finance a water supply. This bill will eventually need to be paid for by plot holders.
iii. Find out about the tennancy agreement. you need to decide your position first. is the site allowed sheds,livestock etc.?
iv.will it be secure?..that said -we have no sheds and i haven't had anything stolen or broken yet. To some extent locked things attract/focus more interest.
2. write it up in parish mag (or local paper /shop/pub and garden club as owg suggests) my hunch is once you start you soon find tennants. this will be easier if you can achieve 1
3. divide up into plots approx 250-300 sq metres. good to have a couple of 1/2 plots as well.
4. choose the best one
5. Enjoy.

I live in a village we've gone from three to twenty plots in a year. I am sure you'll find friends there soon. How exciting-good luck to you.

[yoanbob]

we have about 2 normal plots worth, and i admit it is hard on your own so good luck, i would bagsy at least 2 plots worth for myself tho.
try the local mental health unit, they like this sort of thing for people recovering from depression, it helps them socialise and realise goals, also the exercise is good for them.
good luck.

[nick the grief]

A friendly farmer may plough it up for you and if you get the right one you can get him to supply the muck as well

Yoanbobs right, we have two plots that are rented by the local community health team and there is s steady stream of people coming and going on their plot and most seem really happy to be out in the fresh air.

Another thing to consider is trees. A lot of sites won't allow them but see if you can plant any as it's really nice if you can have a few fruit trees.

Try Freecycle and see if you can get a petrol mower this will help if the grass is kept short and Do it all have som e petrol strimmers in at the moment and they are only £60 that'll help too.