Allotment News

Occasional Articles and Allotment chat and comments.

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open all open... 28th Apr 2020

Bonfires, Competition and Oak Moth

Bonfires

From 1st April through to the end of October, bonfires are not allowed at the allotments.  I know the recycling centre at Martyr's Lane is closed, and so it's tempting to consider burning garden and allotment waste,  but we have been specifically asked by the Borough Council to not relax our no-bonfires ruling.

Competition

Despite the cancellation of the various local competitions and shows our own West Byfleet Allotments Challenge Shield will be awarded as normal this year.  The shield goes to the best second year plot-holder.  That is someone who was first allocated a plot with us in last year's growing season - is that you?  The judging takes into consideration the tidiness of the plot, quality of crops, variety of crops and good use of the space available. Judging takes place in the middle of July.

If you are new to the allotments this year - next year is a target for you.

Oak Processionary Moth 

A reminder of the previous warning - there were reports of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) in the area last year, and it expected the infestations will continuing to spread across London and Surrey. Oak trees around allotment plots are particularly partial to infestation. OPM’s are known to cause skin rashes and should be reported if spotted. Please keep an eye out and report any sightings to the Council and a committee member if the sighting is on or near the allotments. It may be that oak leaves in the leaf pile at the allotments contain last year's hairs from the caterpillars, be wary and handle carefully just in case.

Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-urged-to-report-oak-processionary-moth-caterpillar-sightings 

The OPM caterpillars start emerging in April from eggs laid in Oak trees the previous summer.


open... 29th Mar 2020

Allotments & The Virus - Update No. 2

Allotments & The Virus - Update No. 2 

In order for the allotments to remain open, we must all behave responsibly. It's difficult because we all have friends at the allotment we normally chat with. Confinement means we feel the need to chat more when we meet someone, and the allotments is generally a happy relaxed place to be. Let's keep it that way, but please consider the following (extract from the National Allotments Society Coronavirus news page

Members should take the following precautionary measures: 

  • Keep hand sanitiser in your shed and wash your hands regularly 
  • Use hand sanitiser before opening and closing any gate locks 
  • Observe “Social Distancing” with each other 2-3 metres 
  • If you take your children to the plot, ensure that they stay within its confines and do not run around on communal paths and spaces. 
  • Do not share tools 
  • Do not wash your hands, tools or veg in water troughs 

If you can't get hand sanitiser, use gloves or a plastic bags to open and close the gates.

Another extract from the internet 

The virus doesn't move, people move it.
 We stop moving, the virus stops moving. 
The virus dies. It's that simple.

open... 24th Mar 2020

Allotments & The Virus - Update

Important update

Allotments & The Virus - Update 

Following the Prime Minister's announcement last night (23rd March 2020) I have had numerous enquiries about whether the allotments will remain open. It is not clear to me what the ruling is regarding allotments - it could be interpreted that, like parks, they should remain open for exercise; so for now we will not close them, but ask you to think clearly about whether, by going to the allotments, you are putting others at risk. 

If you decide to come to the allotments, then government rules on social distancing and gatherings of no more than two people should be strictly applied. 

There are several plot-holders who fall into the vulnerable class. It is our collective responsibility to ensure we don't put them at any more risk by going to the allotments. 

Common sense dictates that if you or any member of your household feel unwell you should not visit the allotments whatsoever. 

Use wipes on the gate lock if you can or alternatively wash your hands. We cannot take on the task of sterilising the allotments - it's just not workable, it has to be down to you the individual - so we ask you all to be responsible. 

If I get clear advice or the rules change again we may have to make the decision to close the allotments until further notice. 

The Trading Hut 

The Trading Hut will be closed until further notice. 

Temporary Toilet. 

This will not be provided unless the situation clears. 


Stay well and try and enjoy the Spring and stay cheerful if you can.

Mike Booker
Chairman, West Byfleet Allotments & Gardens Association


open... 21st Mar 2020

The Allotments & The Virus

We are Staying open for now - Growing as Usual

Allotments & The Virus 

It is OK to come to the allotments unless you are feeling unwell. Please observe the government's advice about contact etc. Additionally there are several plot-holders who fall into the vulnerable class. It is our collective responsibility to ensure we don't put them at any more risk. Use wipes on the gate lock if you can or alternatively wash your hands. We cannot take on the task of sterilising the allotments - it's just not workable, it has to be down to you the individual - so we ask you all to be responsible. 

The Trading Hut 

The Trading Hut will open as usual on Sundays, and available during the week if you can find a committee member to open it up for you. 

Temporary Toilet. 

We are still planning to have the portable toilet on-site between May and the end of August. It will get serviced by the supply company once a week, and in-between those times we are asking you to ensure it stays clean for others to use - use wipes if you have them. 

Oak Processionary Moth 

Last year there were reports of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) in the area, and it expected the infestations will continuing to spread across London and Surrey. Oak trees around allotment plots are particularly partial to infestation. OPM’s are known to cause skin rashes and should be reported if spotted. Please keep an eye out and report any sightings to the Council and a committee member if the sighting is on or near the allotments. Find out more here: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-urged-to-report-oak-processionary-moth-caterpillar-sightings 

The OPM caterpillars start emerging in April from eggs laid in Oak trees the previous summer. 


open... 14th Feb 2020

Bottom Road Progress

Only the weather stopping us now

Repairs to the bottom road have gone well, and it's nearly ready.  However the new storm coming in over the weekend will not only stop the finishing work, but make the remainder of the road too soggy to use.

Nearly there...




Snowdrops

Plot Holders

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