Possible new allotments - advice please

[mandyballantyne]

Hi All,

After lots of asking and pleading to the council it looks like things are under way to getting a site. Yipee

WE are setting up a committe just now and will be going to look at potential sites etc but I would not mind a few pointers from you all as I have never even been on a lottie, sad but true!

I know we will need to look at the obvious, water, access, security, drainage, cost but what else? Do any of you have particular points as to the do'd and don'ts when started from scratch?

Do you have any site rules which you love or hate?

All advice will be great and will be shared with the new committe and of course I will make sure the first rule is that they all sign up here!

Thanks, Mandy

[Hazel at the Hill]

Well done, Mandy! Suggest you go and have a look at one or two sites near you if poss so you can 'get your eye in'.

Toilets are a consideration! - room for a communal polytunnel, site shed for sales of compost/canes etc and secure storage for communal tools. And parking, and site/plot insurance.

Even if all the above are not forthcoming immediately, you need to have room 'put aside'.

If you do a search on 'rules', there's been a couple of threads, and Seasprout posted the updated 'plotholders guide' the other day which would be good reading.

Good luck!

[Headfry]

sounds harsh, but a good rule book!
will people have access to manure? if so make sure there are tracks wide enough for tractors etc.
how many plots will you create?
It sounds such fun, all the very best of luck- do keep us up to date with it, please

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks Hazel and Headfry,

Good points and I will search the other thread. All very early days yet but hope to visit some potential sites over the coming months....

It would be great if we could get land this year so we could clear and prepare over the winter and get growing in spring.

I will keep you posted and will no doubt have lots of questions!

Thanks Mandy