Page 28 - ALG Issue 1 2017

Local Authority Allotment Of cers’ Forum Round–up
During 2016 National Allotment Society Regional Representatives and Mentors, and allotment managers from around England held a series of meetings to network and share solutions to common allotments management challenges. The Forums are held once a year in each region, twice if a venue can be found and there is suf cient interest. They
are attended by of cers from the large authorities with a remit for allotments management and town and parish clerks or elected of cials; this year we have also welcomed more committee members from federations who have taken on or support devolved management of a group of sites.
Cuts to local government funding over
the last few years and a subsequent move towards a “cost neutral” allotment service has made up a signi cant part of the discussions this year, as of cers strive to deliver the same service with less time and a smaller budget. This has mainly affected the large City, District and Borough Councils with a majority of direct let clients. This situation has led to large rent increases for many
plot holders in urban areas, as allotment subsidies reduce or disappear altogether.
Devolving a degree of management responsibility to the plot holders themselves, either leasing the site to an association or appointing site stewards, was seen as a way of mitigating some of the current problems (lack of site maintenance, neglected plots etc.) raised by the lack of council money and
resources. However, many of cers struggled to nd volunteer plot holders willing to take on further responsibilities; one council was trialling a “Friends of” scheme rather than the traditional model. Of cers who had
been successful have stressed that it is a long process to get from direct let to fully self-managed and expressed their thanks
to others who attend forums and use the Society for support and advice along the way. NAS representatives at the Forums took the opportunity to point out that associations, that take on fully leased sites, on peppercorn rents, that can access outside funding for site developments, can enthuse tenants who are then more willing to help and get involved.
Concessional plot rents have been another casualty of council austerity measures, and many devolved sites remove concessions, but some felt that this was taking allotments out of the reach of those that most needed them. Another point of view was that pensioners on reduced rents actually get more use from the facility and use more water!
Problem tenants and enforcement procedures are a frequently raised topic, although of cers felt that they need to be empathetic with plot holders who were ill or have family problems and would always take those things into account. Lack of gardening knowledge amongst new plot holders was seen as the root of many failed plots.
Water use and its mode of delivery arises at every forum, however, most allotment authorities are now aware of the implications
of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Where water charges go directly to plot holders or the Association there is often a reduction in usage and an increase in water harvesting.
Some authorities still have problems with waste on site, and have begun to charge deposits that are returned if the plot is in a good condition when vacated. Asbestos can still be found on sites but is expensive to remove. If not broken or damaged it can be left in situ. It can be painted to stabilise it, otherwise it must be double bagged and disposed of properly.
Allotment waiting lists across the country vary a great deal and in some areas, where demand is low, of cers were keen to explore alternative uses of allotment land. A variety of schemes were looked at including renting as Potato Grounds creating orchards, apiaries, and communal growing projects/ green gyms. There was a common view that ancillary use of land was ne as it provides an income, raises awareness, educates and supports vulnerable groups. The NAS view is that these activities must be complementary to allotment use, the land must be returned to allotment use in a good condition and with 12 months’ notice.
If you are a Local Authority member and have not received an invite to a Forum please email diane@nsalg.org.uk and I will ensure that you are on the invite list for 2017.
Maxicrop Heritage
Maxicrop was founded in 1952, and was an early pioneer in the development of seaweed extracts for use with plants, to stimulate natural healthy growth.
Now, over 50 years on, seaweed extracts are still at the core of the Maxicrop business. Indeed, Maxicrop is probably the most widely recognised, well established brand in this field, offering innovation and continuity of supply of quality Norwegian seaweed-derived products.
Sustainable harvesting
Professional harvesters cut and gather the Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed in
specially designed vessels, cutting only the top part of the plant and leaving the rest of the seaweed attached to the rocks – this allows it to grow back fully. Each area is only harvested once every 4 – 5 years.
This sustainable method of harvesting has been practiced for over 50 years, ensuring that this wonderful natural resource can be maintained for generations to come.
Availability today
Maxicrop retail packs are available from most good garden centres. If a particular product is not available locally, the full range of products is available to buy online at www.capitalgardens.co.uk (type Maxicrop into the top left search box).
The main formulations of Maxicrop – Original, Tomato Fertiliser and Complete Feed – are also available in 10 litre ‘professional’ size packs, which can offer
10 litre packs of Maxicrop can offer even better value for money
considerable savings per litre compared with smaller packs. These 10 litre packs are available from a number of wholesalers across the UK, who supply commercial growers and some allotment societies – trade discounts usually apply to volume purchases.
For further information, visit www.maxicrop.co.uk or email info@maxicrop.co.uk
Maxicrop seaweed, harvested in the clean waters near the arctic circle
Norwegian sustainable seaweed harvesting
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