Allotment plots are measured in rods. What is a rod in metric?
One square rod is the equivalent of about 25 square metres, which means at 10 square rod plot is about 250 square metres and a 5 square rod plot is about 125 square metres.
- Are bonfires allowed on allotment plots?
This varies on each individual site. We would like to encourage more composting of garden waste, but generally bonfires should only be used for burning garden waste, not household or other waste products.
- Can a group apply for an allotment plot?
Yes, groups can apply for a plot, you will need to let the site representative know the details of your group prior to applying.
- Can I keep livestock or bees on my allotment site?
Currently no. However the council is starting work on an allotment strategy, which will assess wants and needs of plot holders. If there is a demand for keeping bees and livestock, then policy will be reviewed.
- Can I kill vermin such as rats, mice, pigeons, rabbits and foxes on my allotment?
No. The council or self managed sites make their own arrangements for pest control, please contact your site representative.
- Can I put up a shed or greenhouse on my plot?
Yes you can, provided they do not exceed 8 feet by 6 feet. You cannot erect any other buildings, or structures that are deemed permanent.
- Do I need to be a gardening expert to rent an allotment?
All the help you need is available from books, gardening magazines, local horticultural societies. The following web sites may be use: The National Society for Allotments and Leisure Gardeners: www.nsalg.org.uk Community gardens: www.farmgarden.org.uk The Royal Horticultural Society: www.rhs.o ...
- Do I need to register people who help out on my allotment?
Yes, it is important for plot holders who have help on their allotments from other people, that they register that help. This is because, at some point in the future should you wish to transfer the plot to the helper, the department or site association needs to have evidence to base any decision ...
- How committed do I need to be to have an allotment?
An allotment is a regular commitment, at least from spring to autumn. Be prepared to visit it most weeks and several times a week in summer. Over holiday periods you can ask a fellow plot-holder to do some watering for you.
- How do I give up my allotment?
You can terminate your tenancy at any time. You must contact the Site Representative in person or by phone, and confrim by e-mail or by letter On receipt the tenancy of your allotment plot will be terminated.
- How do I rent an allotment?
If you are interested in an allotment plot, contact the site representative: Canterbury Broad Oak Road - Rebecca Booth on 01227 862 523 Wincheap Allotments (off Norfolk Road) - Mr Woolnough 07738864124 Mandeville Road – Mr Fox 01227 455 697 Victoria Park – Mr Thorope 01227 455 291 ...
- How much does an allotment cost?
The actual rent charged will be determined by the size of the plot and facilities available for the site. The rent is collected annually. Sites that are leased will have their own pricing arrangements.
- How old must I be to have an allotment?
Generally speaking you must be 18 years old, but if you wish to take on an allotment under that age a guardian can take on the plot on your behalf.
- I am a pensioner, can I get a discount for an allotment?
We do not offer any discounts. Please consider that the cost of an allotment plot is about the cost of half a pint of beer per week.
- I am on a waiting list for an allotment, what is the council doing to make more plots available?
One of the outcomes of the allotment strategy is to investigate alternative ways of identifying and securing additional allotment land to address the demand.
- Is there a waiting list for an allotment?
The demand for an allotment is high and allotment sites have a waiting list. Your name can be added to the list and you will be contacted when you reach the top of the list and a plot becomes vacant. One of the aims of the allotment strategy is to turn the waiting list into plots let.
- Is there anything I can’t grow on my allotment?
As long as it is legal, you can grow it. Please do not grow any plants that could be a nuisance to your neighbouring plot holders. Fruit trees should have dwarfing rootstocks, to avoid them getting too big. Please bear in mind that allotment gardens are predominantly for growing food.
- The allotment plot I have just taken over is very overgrown. What assistance will I get to help me get it to stat that I can grow food?
This does depend on the condition of the plot at the time of letting. We do let plots rent-free for a period of time, to allow the plot holder to get the plot up to scratch. Alternatively the council’s grounds maintenance contractor, at the plot holder’s expense, could clear the plot. If a plot ...
- There is a lack of facilities on my allotment site, what is the council doing about this?
The council is starting work on an allotment strategy, and is consulting. One of the outcomes will be a prioritorised investment programme over 5 years.
- What are the benefits of having an allotment?
You might like an allotment for regular light exercise, fresh fruit and vegetables, the enjoyment of wildlife or to unwind from the stresses of modern life.
