Welcome to Chinnor Allotments. In order to help you settle in, here are some key bits of information you may find useful. If there is anything we have missed, please email web@caga.org.uk so we can add it.
There are many good articles out there on how to get started with your allotment and one of the most enduring pieces of advice is to not try to do everything at once:
It can be a lot of work to get a whole plot into shipshape. It is often a good idea to tackle half your plot during the first year, concentrate on this and leave the remainder covered with cardboard or woodchip, (on-site supplies of woodchip are usually abundant and free). Not only will that give you less work to do initially, the cover will also kill most weeds under it so will give you less work the following year. It is usually a good idea to strim the plot before covering it over.
We do not allow the use of carpet, nor plastic on a permanent basis to cover any part of the plot.
We have a set of published Rules, do note that the rules require you to keep the plot cultivated so you shouldn't keep half the plot covered for multiple years.
Getting the plot into shape
The allotment association has a range of equipment which can be used; this includes a strimmer, a lawn mower and a rotavator.
Please note that due to insurance cover and health & safety, this equipment can only be used by a Committee member on your behalf.
If your plot is currently overgrown, you should arrange to have it strimmed as soon as possible. You may also want to rotavate it, but that is more of a personal choice.
Please enquire at the shop on Sunday mornings if you would like to take advantage of this equipment.
The shop (or Distribution Centre as it is formally known) is open every Sunday from 10am to 12noon. We sell a wide range of seeds as well as compost, netting, ground cover, bamboo canes and more. We buy these things wholesale so can usually get you a better price than the garden centre.
There is parking at both ends of the allotments. During the summer months you can drive your car down the centre path if you need to unload bulky items.
The gates are locked at night and even during the day we ask plot holders to lock them should they be the last to exit. You will be offered a key (at cost of £3.50) on joining. If you are the last to leave at night, please lock the gate behind you.
There is a separate pedestrian gate leading to Van Diemens Close. It requires a separate key as the gate was installed using private funds. Please enquire at the shop if this is relevant to you.
The general rule is that no permanent structures over four foot in height are allowed.
It is possible to get permission to put up a greenhouse (subject to size and location), by applying to the Committee. It must be no bigger than 6"x 4" and must use material made from polycarbonate, not glass. Permission, which will not be unduly refused remains discretionary, so please get the permission before you buy.
Sheds are not allowed. It is a subject that has been debated extensively with the plot holders and currently there is no consensus to change the rules.
The gate key will also give you access to the kitchen and toilets at the back of the shop; walk round to the rear of the building, the opposite side to the shop entrance and unlock the door there to gain entry. There are tea and coffee making facilities as well as a microwave and assorted crockery etc.
All we ask is that you keep the toilet facility clean and hygienic for the use of others and if using the kitchen facilities that you wash and tidy up after yourself.
Plots are let for one year at a time, from 1 October to 30 September. It is important that you renew your plot hire and pay the rent at the latest by the end of October each year, as you may otherwise lose your plot.
The association holds its annual general meeting (AGM) every year in October. You will receive an invite in advance of this and we do encourage you to attend.
In addition to this, there is usually a plot-holders' BBQ every summer for both plot holders and partners.
Each year we run a Best Kept Allotment competition during June and July. New plot holders have a separate category so get planting to win your trophy! Prizes are presented at the AGM/annual BBQ.
Many plot holders also get involve in the annual Chinnor Flower and Produce Show; it's really friendly and low-key so well worth entering something, just for fun.
When you are not down the plot in person, you can always check in with other allotment holders on our Facebook group.
It is your responsibility to mow the paths around your plot.
Plot-holders often share the burden, taking turns to mow the paths around each other's plots so it's always worth asking your neighbours if they are up for that.
It is very important that you keep one meter clear from the exterior boundary fence so it is passable for other plot holders. You also need to keep it reasonably free from weeds in order to avoid damaging fences etc.
Kids are very welcome on the allotments; please just keep an eye on them and make sure they don't go on other people's plots.
At this time dogs and other pets are not allowed on the allotment site at all. It has been discussed extensively with the plot holders and there is currently not support for a change of the rules.
We have a communal orchard where you are welcome to pick the apples and other fruits - always a favourite with the young ones. In order to find it, first locate plot 30 - the one with the big compost heap on it. Now walk down the path between plot 29 and plot 30 and you will arrive in the orchard.
You are encouraged to have you own composting system.
However, we have from time to time had a communal compost heap on plot 30. At the moment this is no longer available for use. Should it reopen, please note that you should only put green, compostable material on there and please chop up brassica roots and any other dense materials. If it won't rot on your plot, it won't rot down in the compost heaps.
Please do take all rubbish and non-compostable items to the skip; there are no rubbish facilities at the allotments.
The CAGA committee meets once a month and we are always looking for new members to join us. If you are interested in helping or have any suggestions, just talk to a committee member. Minutes of all our meetings are posted on the notice board outside the shop and on the website.
You are allowed to burn garden debris on your plot. However, do please consider the people who live around the allotments and make sure you only do this on when there is no wind that can blow the smoke into people's gardens. Similarly, avoid lighting a bonfire when it can reasonably inconvenience those living around the allotments, such as on balmy summer evenings etc.
You should be aware that you use your plot and any of your own equipment entirely at your own risk; the Association's insurance policy will not cover you for an accident that happens to you.