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the plot holders. Whilst some plot holders compost their own weeds and rubbish, others resort to burning, which can cause pollution and complaints from neighbours, or taking it to the local authority waste disposal site. A communal composting scheme would avoid the need for both of these actions and would also enable us to return good quality compost to the plots.
We thought that this would be a straightforward exercise,
but it has now been suggested that we would need to apply for a permit, possibly to the Environmental Agency. I nd it hard
to accept that this is the case, as to my mind we will only be composting in one area of the allotment site instead of a number of different places on the same site. I wonder if you have come across this issue before and are able to give us any guidance as to if such a permit is required?
AComposting activities in places such as schools, community gardens or on allotment sites operating a site wide composting scheme (distinct from plot holders composting their own
waste on their own plot for use on that plot) come under the waste regulations. You will need to apply for a licence or an Exemption under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (England and Wales) 2010 to operate your scheme. The exemption application is simple and can be completed in a few minutes online. Whether a permit or an exemption is required will depend on the quantity of material stored on site at any one time, the type of material accepted for composting, and the time the material is stored on site until it is ‘treated’, i.e. composted.
The activity will need careful management, and care must be taken when siting the heap so as not to cause a nuisance or pollution of water courses. It would also be good practice to consult with your allotment authority.
For further information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste- exemption-t23-aerobic-composting-and-associated-prior-treatment
http://www.carryoncomposting.com/142941492
QMare’s Tail
I’ve received a phone call from a parish council regarding mare’s tail on one of their sites. The Council are prepared to
A
Q&MAike Thurlow...
take appropriate actions but are conscious that some of the plot holders on site grow organically. Is there any speci c advice you would be able to provide in this scenario?
I have tried to select questions that may be topical and cover most aspects of the vegetable garden/ allotment. Allotment gardening covers a wide range of interests; if you want to include any other areas of gardening please send your questions in.
QComposting Schemes
Our Allotment association is looking into developing a communal composting scheme which can be used by all
Q
Mare’s tail thrives in wet, acidic soil. Improving the drainage and raising the pH may help to weaken it. One ‘organic’
herbicide that has claims to controlling it is produced by the company ‘Neudorff’; their website is neudorff.co.uk. They are based in Solihull and supply a wide range of organic products. Hope that this is of some use.
Himalayan Balsam
We have a problem with Himalayan Balsam encroaching on
to one of our allotment sites from river bank land that is not the responsibility of the Parish Council, and who is the landlord of the allotments. Do you have any information on responsibilities/duties of landlords regarding Himalayan Balsam?
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A
It is the responsibility of the landowner to clear/
control the Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera once they have been made aware of the problem. The Environmental Agency will have to be informed and approve the use of any herbicides
near water courses. In the short term, cutting down and burning the plants will provide an acceptable holding action.
For further information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ prevent-the-spread-of-harmful- invasive-and-non-native-plants
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