Please read these guidelines in conjunction with your tenancy agreement
Martin Way Allotments – A Self-Managed Community
MAGA is run by a small Committee of plot holders who volunteer to run the allotments on everybody’s behalf. They are voted in at the AGM usually held in June or July each year.
By being self-managed we control our own budget and can make decisions about what we would like to improve on the allotments. This also keeps the cost of the rents down but it does mean we all need to help as part of the allotment community.
You are encouraged to volunteer to help run the allotments and are expected to play your part in helping to manage the site, so please consider what role you might play e.g. organising events, helping in the shop, helping with working parties, etc. If you would like to become more involved please see a member of the Committee or email us.
Animals – Dogs may be brought onto your plot if they are well-behaved and kept under control. Chickens may be allowed, but permission must first be obtained from the Committee and there are many obligations to be adhered to. No other animals are allowed on the allotments.
Behaviour – Martin Way Allotments is a gardening community where we expect everyone to treat other as they would like to be treated themselves. Please keep the Committee informed of any issues, so we can help to resolve them.
Bonfires – are not encouraged as they can cause pollution and affect people with breathing difficulties. You must not burn anything other than dry untreated natural materials. Any other materials must be put in the waste bay, although we urge you to take any recyclables home. Bonfires must only be lit at dusk and must not be left unattended: please make sure they are not causing a nuisance to your neighbours and hose them down fully before leaving the site.
Carpets – Please do not use carpets as weed-suppressants. Wood chip (delivered regularly, free) or weed-suppressant membrane (available in the shop) are environmentally-friendlier alternatives.
Compost Bins – are greatly encouraged. These can either be purchased or you can use pallets or similar wooden structures to build your own.
Concrete – must not be used at any time on your plot. All structures and fences should be removable e.g. paving slabs.
Events – are held each year at the allotments as follows:-
AGM - held in June/July and your chance to join in the running of your allotments.
Annual Plant Sale - usually held in May and is our main fund-raiser and the opportunity to purchase great plants mainly grown by plot holders
Working Parties - usually held on Saturdays several times a year. Your opportunity to help maintain our site – please try to sign up for at least one per year!
Annual Produce Show - held in September. Our chance to celebrate what we grow and see what other plot holders are growing.
Pumpkinfest – Family focused fun at the end of October with bonfire, barbecue etc
Fences – any fences or low hedges must be at least 0.5m (20”) away from the centre of the path, so if your plot neighbour does the same the access is still clear. Please ask the Committee before erecting fences, so that we can ensure the right boundaries are in use.
Invasive plants - such Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and toxic plants such as giant hogweed are not permitted. New bamboo or reeds must not be planted and any existing must be kept under control. A list of species currently prohibited by law can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-the-spread-of-harmful-invasive-and-non-native-plants
Materials – only materials to be used on your plot such as poles, posts and netting, etc. can be stored there. No building materials please. Dangerous items such as pesticides and petrol must be stored safely and securely, in accordance with the manufacturers’ guidance and legal requirements.
Manure – is currently provided free of charge to plot holders but the Committee accepts no responsibility for the quality of the manure or its contents. To give all members an opportunity to take advantage of this service, plot holders are requested to take no more than 1 wheelbarrow per rod per plot per delivery.
Paths – around plots are for shared access, need to be level, kept clear at all times and about 1m (40”) wide so that a loaded wheelbarrow may pass. Adjoining tenants are responsible for keeping the paths passable, level, tidy and grass cut where applicable. Please play your part in keeping your paths level and tidy, cutting back any encroaching vegetation. Weed suppressant membrane on paths, which can be slippery when wet, must be covered by woodchips. Rigid sheeting is not permitted as it is dangerous to walk on. Do not put paving slabs on the paths, they are a trip hazard. All planting on the plot should be situated so as not to encroach on or interfere with the pathways. Special care should be taken with the siting of substantial plants (eg fruit trees) and suckering/prickly plants (eg soft fruit).
Parking - If you have to bring your car to the allotment, please park it in one of the designated car parks, only stopping briefly on the access roads if required to deliver materials to your plot. At no time should you park your car on your plot.
Plots - As a general rule, new plot holders are expected to cultivate at least 40% of their plot in the first year, thereafter 75% of the plot should be cultivated and no more than 25% used for paths, sitting areas, sheds and greenhouses.
Plot inspections - These are carried out at least twice a year and are to ensure the allotments are being fully cultivated. Following plot inspections, two types of notice may be issued to plot holders:
1. A Tidy Up Notice (TU) – a plot which has obviously been worked but not sufficiently to meet the cultivation criteria (see above)
2. A Notice of Non-Cultivation (NNC) – a plot which appears to have been untouched for some months.
Both Notices require the plot holder to make improvements within 21 calendar days. If this is not done, your tenancy may ultimately be terminated. We recommend advising the Committee if you have temporary issues which are preventing you tending to your plot, and indicating when you expect things to return to normal, so we can take these into consideration. See www.maga.org.uk/p/information/plot-inspections for further info.
Plot numbers – are a requirement of your tenancy and you must label must label your plot clearly with the number marked on a post, fence, shed etc. preferably in more than one place.
Ponds – Any ponds should be constructed in the middle of a plot, to avoid any danger of anyone falling in when walking past the plot. The pond must have sloping sides and should be no more than 50cm deep and even less if you have children attending your plot.
Risks – please be aware of the potential risks that may arise around the allotments and play your part by using and storing materials carefully such as glass, wires, stakes, slippery sheets etc. Always wear appropriate protection when using mechanical equipment.
Security – the gates on both the east and west side are self-locking and must be left closed AT ALL TIMES. The height barriers should always be locked when not in use for high vehicles, as the site is attractive to fly tippers, etc. Remember always to bring your gate key whenever you visit your plot.
Structures – sheds, greenhouses or polytunnels up to 8’ x 6’ are allowed – usually 1 shed and 1 greenhouse or polytunnel. Anything larger than this please ask the Committee. They must be at least 0.3m (12”) from the path or boundary for maintenance. Doors must open onto your plot not the pathway.
Trees – only fruit trees from dwarf or semi-dwarf stock and kept below 2.5m high for easy and safe harvesting are permitted and planted 1.5-2m from pathways to avoid blocking access. Please watch out for self-seeded trees and pull them up as soon as possible. If you take over a plot with existing mature trees, please contact the Committee before taking any action to remove them or cut them back.
Tyres – must not be brought onto the allotments. If you have tyres on your plot then it is your responsibility to dispose of them at an approved recycling centre e.g. at some tyre shops. They must not be placed in the non-green waste bay.
Waste Bays – We are extremely lucky in having an arrangement with LBM to collect green and general waste on a regular basis (many allotments have no such facility). Please compost as much green waste as possible on your own plot. Make sure any general waste is broken down to be as compact as possible, wrap glass in newspaper or similar for safety and, if possible, take any recyclable waste home with you. You may only use the bays for allotment waste.
Water – hand held hoses are allowed. Drip/soaker hoses may only be used when you are on your plot. Sprinklers may not be used at any time. The water supply to both east and west sites is turned off November to March to reduce the risk of frozen pipes bursting and causing flooding of plots.
If you are unsure please ask!