Good Neighbour Policy

Your desire to garden means you have much in common with your fellow plot holders. We choose an allotment for a variety of reasons. Some see an allotment as their “personal oasis” and value the peace and quiet, others like to “catch up with local gossip” and value feeling part of the community. Gardening gives us all a sense of wellbeing and we see our plots as our special place of relaxation as well as providing for our families and keeping us fit.
 
Whatever your reason… We all share the high's and low’s of trying to arrange nature into straight rows so here’s a couple of things to bear in mind while you are on your plot...
 
Water: The Society pays for our water, which is a metered mains supply from a number of standing taps situated around the site. With up to 40 plots, you can imagine that in summer water usage is very high. Sprinklers or trickle feed hose pipes are not allowed and we ask that hose pipes be used sparingly to fill watering cans or water butts. If possible drought tolerant plant varieties should be used to minimise the need for excessive water use.
 
Bonfires: Bonfires are allowed on the site but we ask that they should not be lit in windy conditions because of the neighbouring cottages. Please do not leave a lit or smouldering bonfire unattended and be mindful of your neighbouring plot holders. The burning of painted timbers, plastics and other non-plant material can also cause soil pollution by heavy metals and other contaminants and must be avoided.
Support: From time to time we all need a little help. First time allotment holders will discover a wealth of local knowledge by talking to some of our more experienced gardeners, so if you need help or advice please ask, we’re all here to help you get the most out of your plot.
 
Sheds & Greenhouses: If you want to erect or replace a shed or greenhouse or poly tunnel, please apply to the committee who will consider your request. Providing that the size and position is acceptable and does not shade your neighbours plot we can usually accommodate you.
 
Roads & Pathways: Will be improved to allow easy access to all areas of the site. There are two main car parking areas, one at the top entry, and the other area in the centre of the site, which is also used as a vehicle turning area. When parking your car on the main access roads, please spare a thought for others who need to pass and keep tight to the edge of your plot so they can pass safely.
 
Disposal of pesticides and fertilisers:
 
Plot holders should contact their council waste management department for information about facilities for the safe disposal of surplus pesticides and fertilisers. Pesticides should never be included in household rubbish, burnt, placed in skips, or poured into any kind of drainage system or watercourse.
 
Control of Pesticides Regulations (amended) (1997) places responsibility on anyone who uses or stores pesticides to ensure all reasonable precautions to protect the health of humans, creatures and plants, safeguard the environment and avoid the pollution of water.
 
For more information on safe disposal of pesticides, please contact: Leicester City Council Toxic and Hazardous waste hotline - 01162 305 0001
 
Visitors and children on your plot: It’s sociable and fun to have friends and family visit your plot – time to show off your hard work, share some produce, or have a family picnic, but do explain to your visitors and your own children that time on-site for other plot holders may be the only chance they have of “quiet time” to themselves.
Children can benefit from spending time with their family on a plot, developing an awareness of where food comes from at a time when healthy eating and exercise are becoming increasingly important. Learning and fun can both take place on your plot. Show them where your plot’s boundaries are, and explain that other people’s plots are strictly off-limits.
 
Health & Safety: All activities carry an element of risk and allotment gardening is no exception. Everyone needs to take health and safety seriously and to approach the issue sensibly. New and existing plot holders have a responsibility (duty of care) to anyone on their plot, regardless of whether they have given permission for them to be there.
 
You should act responsibly and comply with any health and safety instructions mentioned in the tenancy agreement, and any subsequent information given by the Committee. Rectory Lane is quite a remote site and we often spend long periods of time alone on our plot, so it’s a good idea to let someone know where you are and what time you will return home.
 
It’s a good policy to have some way of raising the alarm if you do experience difficulties, such as a mobile phone or whistle.
 
Rents and Fees: The Appleby Magna Allotment Society Committee decides how much the annual rent will be, taking into account the cost of managing the site, local needs and any special circumstances. There is a range of plot sizes priced to suit everyone.
 
There is no statutory process of appeal about rent charges. If you are unhappy about the charges, you should take your case up directly with the Society Committee or The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners NSALG can advise you, contact details at the back of this guide.
 
Security: We are lucky that the site is not normally targeted by vandals and that we have very little criminal activity (theft, fly-tipping or damage) caused to our infrastructure. In order to make sure that we can maintain our record, please make sure that if you are the last person to leave the site, the gates are locked and the code number is scrambled. You will be given the code number when you join and notified of   to the Police and obtain an incident number, as well as informing the Committee who have to notify the Parish Council of the incident.
 
Planting trees: In the event that you wish to plant fruit trees or any shrub variety that grows to over 10’ you will have to request permission through the Committee from the Parish Council as the land owner.
 
Livestock: Some local Authorities allow hens, rabbits and bees to be kept, however The Appleby Magna Parish Council does not allow any livestock to be kept on the Rectory Road site. Plots are for growing vegetables and fruit and any annual or perennial flowers used as attractants for pest eating insects.