Allotments are provided for the cultivation of fruit, vegetables and flowers. In 2010 NADCAA rules were amended, to allow up to 25% of each plot to be used to encourage bio-diversity. Currently, however, we have no specific standards or guidance on what constitutes acceptable cultivation nor what is acceptable for a bio-diversity area.
This is not an issue where members are managing their plots well, but the absence of clear guidelines can create difficulties when plots are not being properly looked after. A key requirement of our lease with Newton Abbot Town Council, is that we ensure that the allotments are cultivated properly, and that the Association takes appropriate action if members are not cultivating their plots adequately. One reason for issuing this guidance now, is that there has been a long waiting list for an allotment in Newton Abbot for many years, and it is deemed unfair if prospective members are unable to obtain a plot when some existing members are not fully cultivating their plots.
In an attempt to provide greater transparency over the expected standards of cultivation, the Management Committee have drafted a set of cultivation standards, and we want to invite comments from members before these standards are considered at an AGM or EGM for adoption.
A standard for bio-diversity areas has also been drafted and is included with this consultation.
We are inviting feedback from all members and we are inviting members to complete the online questionnaire below. To view the full versions of the proposed standards please click on the links below.
A summary of the key proposals is as follows:
1. Cultivation standards
Trees must not be higher than 3.5 metres and must not hang over paths or common areas.
A limit on the number and type of trees is proposed.
During the spring and summer cultivated areas should have crops or flowers planted or sown or being prepared for cultivation.
During the autumn and winter cultivated areas should be kept reasonably tidy.
Covering with weed control fabric or green manure crops is recommended during the winter to maintain soil nutrients, protect the soil and reduce carbon loss in line with the Councils Carbon Footprint reduction targets.
Weeds must be adequately managed.
Paths between plots must be safe to use and maintained.
Paths within cultivated areas of plots should take up no more than 30% of the cultivated area.
2. Bio-diversity standards
Up to 25% of a plot can be allocated for biodiversity (existing rule).
Biodiversity areas should actively encourage wildlife and biodiversity and not simply be an excuse to allow part of an allotment to become overtaken by weeds and clumps of perennial grass.
To conclude, the purpose of these proposed new standards is to provide clarity to all members and they do not attempt to specify what crops can be grown or any specific methods of cultivation.
This consultation will run until the 31th March 2021
What to do next –
1. Click on the link to the Bio Diversity Document and print / read it.
2. Click on the link to the Cultivation Standards document and print/read it.
3. After reading the documents please fill in the questionnaire below (if you keep the original email that brought you here you can click on the link again if you want to fill out the questionnaire tomorrow for example (Scroll Down To See The Survey).
