Good to know information.
Your go-to place for all the practical information you need to make the most of your allotment.
Contents (quick jump menu):
Seed Orders
Each year we take part in the Kings Seeds Scheme, giving all plot holders the chance to order high-quality seeds at a fraction of the normal cost. By ordering through the Society you can save up to 40% off retail prices and help raise funds for the site.
How it works
Orders can be placed directly with Kings Seeds using a customer account created under the Society’s main Kings account, or using the traditional green order form. Either way, you’ll still receive the same discounts — and all orders count towards the total that earns the Society a payment back from Kings.
Here’s how the discounts work:
7.5% discount on all orders placed before 14 November
10% automatic discount on all orders
+5% extra discount on any single order over £750 (not cumulative)
Kings calculate the total value of all member orders (online and paper) and make a refund payment to the Society around June, which goes straight back into community funds.
How to order
You can order in one of two ways:
Online – Request a customer account from our Seed Secretary, Liz Burton, via waltonallotmentseedorder@gmail.com.
Once your account is linked, you can place your orders directly through Kings Seeds for home delivery at any time of the year.Paper order form – Pick up a green form and catalogue from the communal shed or contact Liz to have one dropped off at your plot. Complete your form and return it to Liz for processing. Catalogues usually arrive around July each year, giving you plenty of time to browse before orders are due. Delivery is usually around November.
Both ordering options are available this year.
By joining in and ordering via our Society account, you’ll not only save money but also help support the Society through the Kings Seeds refund.
Please note: Ordering directly via the public Kings Seeds website does not apply the same discounts — make sure to order through the Society scheme to benefit from the savings.
Manure Service
We’re lucky to have good links with local farms, which means we can offer plot holders a steady supply of well-rotted manure for their plots. A bulk delivery is arranged to the car park, and members are welcome to take as much as they need.
The manure is charged by the barrow load – currently £1 per barrow (please note this price may change depending on supplier costs).
How to pay:
Hand cash directly to the Chair or Treasurer, or
Pay into the Society bank account (the same bank details as your plot fees).
The system runs on honesty and trust, and it works well – typically generating a profit of around £300–£400 a year for Society funds. That means every barrow you wheel onto your plot not only improves your soil but also helps support the allotment community.
Wood Chippings
Wood chippings are available in the car park whenever local tree surgeons are able to drop them off. As we don’t pay for deliveries, supplies are irregular and can’t be guaranteed.
When they do arrive, they tend to disappear quickly! We ask all plot holders to follow a fair usage policy so everyone has a chance to benefit – please be considerate and kind to others.
Chippings are free of charge to all plot holders, so take them while you can. They’re perfect for paths, mulching, or improving soil structure.
Health & Safety
For full details, please visit our Health and Safety page.
If you experience an accident or a near miss on site, please let the Committee know as soon as possible. We’ll provide you with the correct form to complete so it can be recorded properly.
These forms are important because they:
Create a record of what happened
Help us spot and fix potential risks
Ensure we meet our insurance requirements
By reporting incidents, even small ones, you’re helping us keep the site safe for everyone.
Quick Site Rules & Reminders
Paths: Shared paths must be maintained by both neighbouring plot holders.
Fires: Bonfires are only permitted on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. They are not allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays or Sundays. Please only burn dry allotment waste, and always consider our neighbours – avoid lighting a fire if it’s windy, as smoke can drift into homes and onto washing lines. Fires must be kept under control at all times, never left unattended, and must be completely extinguished before you leave the site.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead and under control.
Children: Children are very welcome on site but must be supervised at all times.
Ponds: Ponds are only allowed with prior approval from the Committee and the site insurers.
Gates: If you are the last to leave, please lock the gate – don’t leave the site unsecured.
All rules and procedures can be found in your Tenancy Agreement
Inspections
To help keep the site well maintained and enjoyable for everyone, the Society carries out plot inspections twice a year – usually in May and October. We will add the inspection dates to the events page after the first Committee meeting in February.
Inspections are carried out by two committee members working in pairs.
Each section of the inspection is scored and rated automatically, generating a PDF report.
This report is then emailed to the plot holder.
We do take photos of your plot during the inspection. These are kept on file to provide a clear record alongside the written report.
The aim of inspections isn’t to catch anyone out, but to make sure the site is kept safe, tidy and productive for the whole community.
Staying Connected
We keep plot holders updated in several ways:
Notices are posted on the community shed noticeboard
Updates are sent out by email
Key information is also published here on the Society website
If you ever need support, advice, or have a query, you can contact the Trustees directly via email.
Weed Watch: Mare’s Tail (Horsetail)
Mare’s Tail (also known as Horsetail) is one of the most persistent weeds found on UK allotments. It spreads quickly through deep underground roots and can reappear even after being cleared. Our Weed Watch information sheet explains how to identify it in spring and summer, why it thrives, and the best ways to manage it safely and sustainably.
