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Allotment Ponds
Allotment ponds are an attractive feature and have the potential to help you maximise your growing efforts. They are a retreat for frogs and a feeding ground for hedgehogs and birds – all of which are pest controllers.
The Association is supportive of members introducing wildlife ponds on their allotment plots subject to the following conditions:
- They should be constructed of materials which can easily be removed or relocated (and not concrete or anything that is of a permanent nature). Such as butyl liners, pre-formed ponds or other sunken water containers (such as old sinks or inverted dustbin lids)
- The pond surface area should not exceed one square metre. Also, that the pond should not be closer than two metres from the nearest plot boundary.
- A maximum depth 45cm (18”) – this will sustain pond flora required for oxygenation and will ensure that water at the bottom does not freeze throughout winter.
- At least one side should have a shallow slope – either as a feature of the pond’s structure or by constructing a ramp of stones/pebbles within the pond - to allow access for wildlife and to create a damp habitat for beneficial insects as the water level changes.
- Their position on the plot, including any bordering features, should not extend beyond the plot boundary.
- They should support only indigenous pond wildlife (not fish which will feed on tadpoles and other wildlife).
- Ponds are well maintained to prevent stagnation/reduced water oxygen levels.
Ponds should initially be filled with rainwater - tap water contains minerals which encourage algal growth.
Plants and animals will naturally colonise the pond but the following plants will help to provide a diverse habitat:
- Underwater oxygenating plants such as hornwort and starwort which also help to protection tadpoles and pond larvae from predators.
- Protruding plants such as water iris for emerging larvae.
- Floating plants such as water hawthorn or water lettuce to provide shade and a habitat for frogs.
- Marginal plants such as lesser spearwort and marsh marigold to encourage pollinating flying insects.
For further info see https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-create-mini-pond
Sheds
Before erecting sheds, plot-holders must receive approval from the LAA Committee. Any shed must meet the following requirements:
- The maximum allowable length, width and height are 2.4m, 1.8m and 2.4m respecively.
- Structures must be positioned at least 50cm away from boundary fences and hedges.
- No structure shall straddle any paths on the allotment garden.
- Structures must not be sited on a plot where it will cast shade or cause a nuisance to other plot holders or neighbouring properties.
- Any shed built must not have a permanent concrete or paved floor surface.
- A system of guttering must be placed on the shed roof so to collect rainwater in one or more water butts next to the shed.
Greenhouses
Before erecting greenhouses, plot-holders must receive approval from the LAA Committee. Any greenhouse must meet the following requirements:
- The maximum allowable length, width and height are 2.4m, 1.8m and 2.4m respecively.
- No structure shall straddle any paths on the allotment garden.
- Structures must not be sited on a plot where it will cast shade or cause a nuisance to other plot holders or neighbouring properties.
- Any greenhouse built must not have a permanent concrete or paved floor surface.
- A system of guttering must be placed on the greenhouse roof so to collect rainwater in one or more water butts next to the greenhouse.
Polytunnels
Before erecting polytunnels, plot-holders must receive approval from the LAA Committee. Any polytunnel must meet the following requirements:
- The maximum allowable length, width and height are 4m, 2m and 2m respecively.
- Structures must be positioned at least 50cm away from boundary fences and hedges.
- No structure shall straddle any paths on the allotment garden.
- Structures must not be sited on a plot where it will cast shade or cause a nuisance to other plot holders or neighbouring properties.
- Any polytunnel must not have a permanent concrete or paved floor surface.
- Polytunnels must not take up more than one third of the size of the plot.
Trees
Before planting fruit trees, plot-holders must receive approval from the LAA Committee. Any trees must meet the following requirements:
- Trees must be positioned at least 50cm away from boundary fences and hedges .
- The tenant may cultivate hard fruit in a manner that does not cause nuisance, annoyance or is injurious to neighbouring plot holders and surrounding homeowners.
- Fruit trees must be of dwarf root stock variety only and must not be sited on an allotment plot where as they mature they will obstruct boundary pathways, or cast shadows on neighbouring plots.
- All trees must be correctly maintained and kept in good order.
Keeping Hens
Under the 1950 Allotment Act, keeping hens (and rabbits!) is permitted on allotments, so long as they are for the tenants own use and not for business or profit.
For the Longcroft Allotment Association the maximum number of hens allowed is four per plot. Cockerels are not allowed. If the hens cause nuisance or area health hazard to other plot-holders, or if their well-being is not adequately allowed for, the Association can require them to be relocated.
Where a plotholder keeps chickens their emergency contact details must be on display at the plot so that other members can contact them immediately if there is a potential issue with the chickens or the coup.
The animals’ basic needs must be met by the plotholder, and cannot be taken lightly. As a guide, you should expect to be able to visit them once per day (to feed and water the hens, and to collect eggs) but, under some circumstances (e.g. extreme weather), they may require two visits per day.
They will reward you with up to an egg per day per hen, a ready supply of chicken manure, and help with pests (hens love scratching around for slugs and snails to supplement their diet).
Further information on keeping hens, including advice on good husbandry, is available from the British Hen Welfare Trust web-site - www.bhwt.org.uk.
Keeping BEES
Bees are an important asset to plotholders and the Association encourages and supports beekeeping on its sites.
Plotholders wishing to keep bees require the permission of the Committee if they wish to keep bees and the Committee retails the right to inspect bees at any time. This is to ensure a balance between the Association's wish to promote responsible beekeeping with the need for all allotment holders to have full enjoyment of their plot. Tenant beekeepers must provide competent care and management together with the knowledge and skills to ensure the wellbeing of their bees.
Beekeepers should be aware that other plotholders may have concerns about bees on site and be willing to mitigate these concerns and provide good advice. Hives must be placed in such a way that the bees and their flight paths do not cause a nuisance for others .
If you are unsure about whether beekeeping is really for you then it is important to attend introductory courses and apiary visits.
Tenant beekeepers must bee a member of the British Beekeepers Association and have the Associations's full insurance cover. Membership of the Hertfordshire Division is strongly recommended.
Web-links:
British Beekeepers Association - www.bbka.org.uk
Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association - www.hertsbees.org.uk