The usual spring inspection took place in early March. This checks that the Plotholder Agreement is being complied with (available in Resources section of website). This outlines the rules (including types of use, tidiness around plot, amount of ground that must be cultivated).
Have you seen this recent stag visitor? The National Allotment Society is interested in general changes to deer presence and the tactics we're using to protect crops. Many of you shared your 2022 experiments with Olwyn - any updates will be welcome (her contacts are on our About Us page).
Newcastle Council offers a discount scheme to buy bins and wormeries - council info here. It links to this website where the offer can be used, by entering your postcode.
Our neighbours - Jesmond Dene - are having a volunteer day for treeplanting. It takes place on 23 February, between 10 and 3pm. A number of our plotholders have an interest in trees, so if you'd like to take part, more information is available here from Urban Green, the charity that runs all Newcastle allotments as well as the parks.
The organiser's of Newcastle's Allotment Show have announced that the 2022 show - due to take place four days later - has been cancelled as a mark of respect at this time of mourning. They apologise for taking this difficult decision and the disappointment caused. The celebratory nature of Sunday’s music and funfair were felt to be too close to next day’s funeral, as well as Sunday’s planned silence for reflection. We will pass on further information as and when it is received, but expect that entry fees will be returned.
2021's Allotment Week proved fertile ground for gardeners to share ideas across the city and beyond. And the profile of allotments has remained high until the end of the month, with the national society taking part in a Gardeners' World Live Special - details here.
An early-morning trip to the allotment by a plotholder led to the discovery that he was not alone. Close to the edge of the gardens, a deer was interrupted - perhaps in search of breakfast. Although reports of deer sightings have increased in recent years, this is the first time it's been possible to record the visitor so closely. Plotholders have been advised to watch out for ticks, and information about how to deal with them has been shared in the Gardeners' Forum on this website.
Thanks to support from allotment landlords Urban Green, new fence sections are now installed where the site adjoins Jesmond Dene.
It's hoped the improvements will help to keep the deer at bay, and away from tasty French beans. If you spot other routes the deer are using - please let a committee member know. Guidance on how to protect our crops can be see in the Resources section of the website.