Last updated September 2017

The following rules are to be observed by members and are intended to clarify responsibilities, assist in delivering a safe, healthy and rewarding experience for all participants, and help the Management Committee manage the site for the benefit of all and the environment. In the instance of doubt, a committee member should be contacted for advice.

1. Allocation of space: As a general aim, 50% of raised beds will be assigned to plot-holders, with remaining beds being used as shared growing spaces for existing members, for groups and for individual prospective members to gain experience while waiting for assigned plots. The Management Committee reserves the right to make minor variations to the 50/50 split, depending on circumstances and in consultation with members. Plots that remain unassigned for individual use by 31 May each year will be put to communal use for the remainder of that growing year.
   
   
2. Cultivation: At least 75% of the allocated growing space should be under cultivation at any time, and at least 75% of species cultivated should be edible plants. Beds should also be well stocked with crops in as healthy a condition as possible, bearing in mind current weather and season, and should show evidence of being actively managed within a six-week period after planting; if this rule is not adhered to, and if no reasonable explanation is presented, the Management Committee reserves the right to take action in line with the Inspection, Termination and Appeals Procedure. Unplanted areas should not cause any nuisance to neighbouring growing spaces.
   
   
3. Smoking: The garden is a no-smoking area; members are required not to smoke within the confines of the site.
   
   
4. Dogs: Dogs must be kept under close control by owners or on a lead, and must be on a lead at all times whilst children are present. Owners must not allow their dogs to foul any part of the allotment site or to become a nuisance to other members. A maximum of 2 dogs will be allowed on the site at any one time.
   
   
5. Bonfires: Bonfires are not allowed on site.
   
   
6. Barbecues: Barbecues are permitted provided that they are suitably contained. Once fully operational there should be no visible smoke and care should be taken to ensure they do not create a fire hazard.
   
   
7. Trees: No trees shall be cultivated or allowed to grow on the raised beds, without prior agreement by the Management Committee.
   
   
8. Water conservation: Water should be used conservatively. Water conservation measures such as mulching are effective in reducing moisture loss and also help to control weeds.
   
   
9. Composting: Members are responsible for composting their own organic waste in the communal composting areas and only suitable matter should be included for composting. Members are responsible for the disposal of large or woody material unsuitable for compost heaps.
   
   
10. Organic gardening: Organic gardening methods should be adhered to as closely as possible, including limiting the use of proprietary products to those that are certified organic.
    
    
11. Containers and other structures: Members are not permitted to erect sheds for storage of tools and material or glass houses for cultivation of plants, fruits and vegetables, without prior consent from the Committee. The communal storage area is on site for use of members.
    
    
12. Barbed wire: Members are not permitted to have or to use barbed wire on the site.
    
    
13. Noise: The use of strimmers or other noisy machinery is not permitted before 9 am or after 8 pm on Monday to Saturday nor is such use permitted before 12 pm or after 8 pm on Sundays. Radios and other devices for reproducing sound are permitted so long as the output volume is kept at a reasonable listening level and does not cause a nuisance to other tenants, visitors or neighbours.
    
    
14. Personal conduct: Members shall not cause any nuisance or annoyance to the occupants (the tenant or visitors) of any other growing space, or to the neighbourhood. Members must not use the site or allow the site to be used for any illegal purpose and must keep the peace at all times.
    
    
15. Encroachment, trespass and damage: No member shall make any encroachment or trespass upon another's growing space (where assigned), and no damage shall be done by any member to the produce or cropping on any other growing space.
    
    
16. Children: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and are not allowed to play over the raised beds. There are a great many hazards to children on the site and parents/guardians are expected to be vigilant on their children's behalf.
    
    
17. Container growing (including hanging baskets): Central pathways should be kept clear at all times. Container growing is permitted with the Management Committee's agreement.
    
    
18. Keys: If a member loses a site key, they will be responsible for providing a replacement.
    
    
19. Membership Fees: Tenancy agreements must be completed and membership must be paid in full before the end of March; membership fees will be decided/reviewed at the AGM. In the event that membership fees remain outstanding beyond the end of March, the Committee reserves the right to terminate the lease.
    
    
20. Waiting list: If demand for growing space exceeds supply, a waiting list will be held by the Management Committee; growing space will be allocated as it arises, at the discretion of the Committee.
    
    
21. Policies, Guidelines and Procedures: Members must read and comply with the policies, guidelines and procedures that accompany these rules.
    
    
22. General maintenance: Members must take full responsibility for maintenance of their allocated growing space/raised bed and adjacent surfaces. In addition, all members must assist, as required, with general maintenance of the communal areas and site grounds and with the upkeep of infrastructure, in line with requirements determined at monthly task events.
    
    
23. Group meetings: Members should strive to attend the Annual General Meeting and at least four ordinary meetings throughout the year; monthly task events should also be attended where feasible.
    

These rules will be re-examined annually as part of the AGM process and may be amended by the Management Committee at other times, as necessary, in consultation with members.