Why start an allotment plot?

There are loads of reasons!

Those that spring to mind instantly are the wonderful flavours of freshly picked vegetables and fruit that are so different to those that are bought from the shop. You don't quite have to do a Monty Don ie have your water boiling and run with your freshly dug potatoes. The freshness is easily recognisable.

The sense of community, there are lots of people up at the allotments that have different time constraits from family or work so you never need to feel lonely up at the allotments as there is nearly always someone about. It can actually get difficult to get what you want done as there are often people to have a chat to to catch up. Going to the allotment means you can meet like minded people.

It is a relatively cheap hobby, although it can be easy to get carried away... You only need a few basic tools, like a fork, trowel and a watering can. You can manage with those until you want to buy more or feel that you need a hoe to make things easier for example.

The simple pleasure of growing your own fruit and vegetables and knowing what has been put on them.

Growing flowers to attract wildlife as well as having some to take home. AS well as herbs for your cooking.

Being out in the fresh air and doing something as a family. As well as all the friends you make when you have a glut of produce. No-one says no to some strawberries....

How to rent a plot?

If you have decided to rent a plot you need to contact the Allotment Secretary who will be able to answer any further questions you have as well as putting you on the waiting list. The waiting list is getting quite long so you might have to be patient. Most plots change 'hands' around October. New allotmenters have to be a Blandford town resident (some proof may be asked for). Unfortunately if you live outside the town boundaries you are unable to have a plot at this time. We are in the process of negotiations with the NDDC to acquire a few more acres of land adjacent to the present allotments at Lamperds Field in order to accommodate those people from the parishes who are unable to get at allotments.

To be put on the waiting list then you must give your full name, full Address including postcode, with E mail address and telephone contact number(s). If all these details aren't given then you won't be able to be put on the waiting list. Recently we have had quite a few responses from people that have been out of town residents or haven't responded to emails.

A plot

Lamperds Field

There are 63 plots at Lamperds Field that measure 250m2. Each plot is approximately 10 x 25m and although some sizes may vary in dimensions, they all have the same area. Plots can be leased as half plots or full plots.

Philip Road

Phillip Road allotments have 19 plots, averaging 200m2. Some are slightly smaller, and some slightly larger depending on their location.

Facilities available

Lamperds Field

The site has a large shed, which contains 50 lock ups, so many plot holders have a lockable area within the shed. The shed also houses a toilet and a kitchen. The site has a full security fence and lockable gate. All plot holders are given the code for the padlock, the site is locked daily. There are extensive water facilities, with mains water troughs located approximately every 2 allotments.The Trading Store is also within the shed.See photos

Elizabeth Road

There is a water tap on the site put in by the Allotment Society and paid for by Blandford Town Council. There is no security fence around this site, although the site is fenced. It is not lockable. There are no kitchen or toilet facilities.

The cost

Lamperds Field

2009/10 (September to September) prices are £28.00 for a full plot.

There is an additional charge of £10 per year for the Lamperds Field site, which goes direct to the Blandford Town Council for buildings maintenance.

Elizabeth Road

2009/10 (September to September) prices were 8.5p/m2, so the cost varies depending on the allotment size.

The price goes up a little each year roughly in line with inflation.

The Polytunnel

Lamperds Field also has a polytunnel with 12 allocated spaces. These spaces were initially allocated to those who helped erect the polytunnel. However, there may be space available. Spaces cost £5 per year.

The Allotment Shop

This will be open from the middle of January through to June on Saturday mornings. 10am to 12pm. It will be full of all those things allotmenteers need - like compost, fertilizers, twine, gloves, labels etc.

Other resources

Woodchip is delivered to Lamperds Field which is free charge.

For the manure - telephone numbers are usually on the notice board.

The committee has arranged for loads of manure to be placed around the site at Lamperds Field and then allotmenteers can help themselves for a small charge - worked out per bakers dozen (13) of wheelbarrow loads.

Workparties

Additionally, the committee occasionally organise work parties to get help with specific tasks. Such work parties have included erecting the polytunnel, planting the wildflower meadow and planting the community orchard. These tasks are fun, productive and sociable.