GETTING A PLOT

Here are a few things to consider before you think about applying for a plot.

We are looking for enthusiastic members to work an allotment on a unique site of approximately 80 plots. We have water on site and occasional deliveries of manure and wood chippings and we encourage plotholders to grow organically as much as possible with minimum use of chemicals and weedkillers. Plotholders can erect a small shed and have controlled bonfires if required. We have a number of social events such as barbeques in the summer and bonfire night.

There is a variety of plot sizes: full, half and quarter. A half plot is ideal for one person to manage and a quarter may be more suitable for people with less time on their hands or those who are new to gardening. In our experience, it is best to be realistic and not take on too large a plot as this can be an overwhelming task. We have an internal transfer arrangement, so if you wish to change plots later, this is often possible.

We estimate you need to attend to the plot about 4 hours a week minimum and depending on the crops you grow, this could mean a visit every week throughout the year. In the summer, although we encourage mulching to minimise water loss and watering only where needed, it may be necessary to visit every other day. We ask potential members to consider this time element seriously and only take on a plot if you can spare the time to work it effectively. Bear in mind, the soil is clay and can be heavy to work.

We have a probation period of 3 months starting when someone takes on a new plot. Progress has to be demonstrated during that time, the amount obviously dependent on the time of year. If not enough work has been done, your licence may not be confirmed.

As part of the licence, there is a requirement for plot holders to spend at least 6 hours a year helping out with communal tasks such as path upkeep, bramble trimming and other jobs that keep the whole site well maintained for everyone to enjoy.

We ensure each member works their plot to a good standard and Notice to Quits are issued where people consistently fail to work their plots.

WAITING LIST

Our waiting list is currently closed (January 2012) and we are reviewing our waiting list policy and procedures. We want to make sure that they are as fair as possible and comply with the terms of our lease with Southwark (which includes a provision that we should seek to have 75% of members who live in Southwark). However it is going to take a little while to work out and agree some new procedures.     We have a waiting list of 28 at the moment (3 from Southwark and 25 from Lewisham). When plots become available for letting, they are being offered to people on the waiting list, taking 3 from the Southwark list and then 1 from the Lewisham list and so on. We aim to agree our new procedures and open up the waiting list again later in 2012, before we run out of people from Southwark on the waiting list.   A statement will appear on this page of the website when we agree our new policies, announcing the date that the waiting list will re-open. 

RAISED BEDS

We have six raised beds, for use by disabled people, on the site. These measure about 1 metre by 4 metres and are about 600mm high. The rent for each raised bed is £8 a year. Unfortunately the site is not fully accessible to people with mobility problems, as the paths are quite uneven and the slope is steep, but we are working to improve this and hope to provide wheelchair access to the lower part of the site soon. We maintain a separate waiting list for the raised beds. If you might be interested in taking on a raised bed, please contact membership@onetreehillallotments.org.uk.