The first part of the site is Spragglesea Mead, and the part over the bridge is Dean’s Ham. Plots on these two sub-sites are numbered separately. Rents are currently 35p per square metre per annum, payable at the AGM in March, or by the end of that month. The minimum charge is £10. We also ask for an initial deposit of £5, to cover the cost of the access key (see below). This deposit is returnable in full if the key is returned and the plot is left in good order. Please pay the treasurer and make cheques payable to Spragglesea Mead Allotment Assn. If you change your email address please inform the secretary.
Cultivation
New members are expected to begin cultivating their plots in good time. One month’s grace is allowed after a plot has been allocated for you to show that you have serious intentions. After that time we will check that all is well and that the plot is being managed satisfactorily. Please let us know if you need any help with your plot. We have one main rule; whatever size your plot, use it or lose it!
Access to the site
The allotment gate has a padlock. The key is available for a returnable deposit (see above). For vehicular access to the site please see a committee member.
Plot maintenance
Everyone shares in this responsibility. Allottees are expected to cultivate their plots regularly (especially March – November), and to let the committee know if they are going to be away for any length of time. Plots that are neglected will be forfeited and re-let. As a general rule we expect that plots should be at least 70 per cent cultivated and plots are occasionally inspected by the committee. Overgrown plots are a problem for neighbours as the weeds spread and produce seed, so we do ask people to be responsible and give up their plots if they cannot find the time to keep them in order.
Composting
Annual weeds and crop waste should be composted in a bin or heap on your own plot as much as possible. Perennial weeds can be put in the specifically marked container in the communal compost areas on Spragglesea Mead behind the shed. Uncompostable material, such as plastic, metal, stones and wood, must not be put in the communal compost. Material that is more woody in nature can be shredded – please leave it adjacent to the communal compost bins. Material for burning should be put on the pile on Dean’s Ham adjacent to Plot 6.
Rubbish
Plotholders are responsible for removing their own plastic and metal waste from the site, including fertiliser and compost bags and horticultural fleece. Do not bring glass on to the site, as it inevitably gets broken. All other waste please remove as best you can and get rid of it in the domestic waste collections.
Paths
The main paths are mostly cut by the committee. Side paths are the responsibility of plot holders. Please do your best to keep them trimmed. If you have a plot adjacent to the stream, please take care to keep it free of trip hazards. A push mower and shears are kept in the store box on the bridge for general use. Paths may be uneven, please take care!
Ground cover
No carpet is allowed as modern materials don’t rot down. Mypex is acceptable as ground cover.
Ground fertility
The soil is fertile but varies in type, even on the same plot. The soil is mostly alkaline. The site is on the Thames flood plain and may flood in spring for a few days. Please take great care if visiting the site when it is flooded.
Planting
Plot-holders may plant what they wish in the way of vegetables, flowers and soft fruit, but not trees. Fruit trees may be planted after consultation with the committee about the exact siting. They need to be sited so that they don’t shade adjoining plots or encroach on paths when they are mature. Please do not remove trees, bushes or other natural boundaries without agreement from the committee.
Siting of Sheds and Polytunnels
Again, these need to be sited so that they don’t shade adjoining plots or encroach on paths and the committee should be consulted.
Water
In summer water is pumped from the ditch or the reservoir into the large holding tanks and thence into the troughs.
Upkeep of the site
Strimming of paths, shredding, filling of water tanks and general maintenance are mostly done by committee members. However we do welcome offers of assistance from all plot holders on work party days and at other times. We do have to be careful however about the use of machinery as health and safety issues are involved.
Pests etc
The main problems are pigeons, slugs and snails, and mice. Fruit bushes and brassicas need to be protected from the pigeons. Most plot-holders grow organically, so if you are using slug bait please do so sparingly. If you use netting be aware that birds can get caught in and also, occasionally, snakes get caught in netting that is trailing on the ground.
Health and Safety
Bonfires should not be lit in times of drought. Please consider neighbouring allottees at all times when lighting bonfires and do not leave them unattended.
Pesticides and other chemicals should always be stored securely, preferably off-site. Pathways on allotments are often disrupted by moles and other creatures. Time and effort is spent when we have work parties to repair this damage, but please be aware that pathways can be uneven and care should be
taken when using them. If you use machinery on site ensure that you do so sensibly. If you would like to use an allotment strimmer, please ask for training first and always wear a safety helmet. There is a first aid lit attached to the outside of the shed to the left of the main gate. Please let Ged Ledger know
if you use anything from it.
General
Please note that sub-letting of plots is not allowed. If you ask a friend to help you it does not give them the right to take over the plot if you decide to give it up. Most of the plots are smaller than a standard allotment. If you would like more land please ask David Helliwell.
Records
We hold records of allottees names, addresses, telephone numbers and emails. This is necessary for us to keep in touch with everyone and it is GDPR compliant. We do not retain any other personal details of allottees. This is a friendly site, and people are always willing to give advice and offer spare plants. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and should respect other plots. Dogs must be kept on a lead. There is a picnic area on the Dean’s Ham side of the site near the communal open shed. If you have any queries or problems please consult anyone on the committee.