Kitchen Garden Forum

Seems to be a growing trend on our site for, mostly the younger newcomers I might add, to fence off their plots, put up posh new sheds etc. While I am pleased they are taking such an interest in their plots the site is becoming more like a 'sea of fenced off gardens' rather than the open allotments us oldies are used to. The open green spaces are disappearing.

Is this a growing trend at other sites across the country? I wonder?

Beryl.

Perhaps the new growers think that if they put a fence around their plots, the slugs, snails and tomato blight won't intrude across their boundaries

I'm surprised that the allotment rules permit the fencing off of plots. It does seem to be a rather unfriendly way of carrying on. Surely the plots are quite clearly marked out anyway without people needing to fence them off to mark their boundaries?

We have just had our new allotment rental agreements and although they are limiting the size of shed, compost bin, and number of water butts there is no mention surprisingly of fencing. One plotholder did tell me it was the keep the foxes and badgers out - well we all know different don't we?
I just hope they do keep their half of ajoining paths in reasonable condition and not just the plot behind their fence.

Beryl.

I've seen it on our site too. Mostly the younger, newer plot holders. They seem to like spending a fortune on fencing, fancy paths, and lots of 6 inch high timber beds

One of the problems with too many fences, is if you have some wide stuff to try and barrow down the path. There simply isn't room in some cases.

I have fenced off my allotment , added a gate as well..looking around the site it appears that the most well kept and successfull plots are fenced off .
I beleive it will keep pests away , hopefully the dreaded carrot fly and act as a deterant for the good old cabbage white butterfly.
The plot I have is also my garden , as we only have a small paved area at home , my plot has a seated area for the grown ups to sit and the grand children to play...thus creating a safe family environment.
I have also built a raised bed , and a cold frame from recycled timber and windows, and separated the plot into two halfs , raised beds and a path down the middle.
So it would appear I fit into the new model of allotment holders ..old and trendy cant be bad !!!

We are allowed a small shed but no permanent paths like flags etc. The land must be able to be returned to agricultural use, the owners (Duke of Devonshire's estate) say.

There are no rules on fencing but all our plots (there are only 10!) are securely fenced to keep out rabbits.

Hi Tangoman,
I suspect you are expecting too much from just a fence. A fence will not give you protection from the pest you mention.
There is a myth about that Carrot Root Fly cannot fly high but I can assure you that they do. They do fly low when hunting for somewhere to lay their eggs but at all other times are just like other flies. The same goes for Cabbage Root Fly and is for the dreaded Cabbage White Butterfly will very easily search out a brassica from a distance.
Fences can create light problems and ill feelings between allotmenteers and to my mind should be discouraged. Wire fences against Rabbits are acceptable but nothing of a solid nature.
To me even a low fence says keep out and then the camaraderie will disappear from and allotment which is a bad thing.
JB.

Have to agree with JB on this one.
Beryl.

I think a lot depends on what you see an allotment for. Is it a garden and play area, or is it a place for growing produce

All out plots are fenced off - over 100 of them. Don't know if they always were decades back though. You can have sheds (size limited), greenhouses and there are 1 or 2 small polytunnels for the serious flower growers.

What I don't understand is those on our plot who put in a load of paving in then a big picnic table, BBQ and such......that's good growing land being wasted in my eyes.

Westi

While I appreciate JBs opinion I stick to the reasons why my plot has been fenced off , the fence is not interfering withanything or any body.
The fence is on my plot so no pathways are narrowed and all is well with other plot holders..the fence is a green fine mesh so light and sunlight still comes through..and many oldies have already done the same .
I still feel it will warn off carrot fly as I still believe they only fly low , and nobody has told me different.
My neighbours have already appreciate the extra shelter and we still meet regularly on each others plots chatting and planning, as many of them are enclosed also !!!!!
Within our site we have a social area for BBQs, a very large posh shed for our social events , teas and bacon rolls over the weekends...and where we can can just pop in for a cuppa and a look through a gardening magazine or newspaper...

Hi Tangoman,
Your quote regarding Carrot root Flies.

I still feel it will warn off carrot fly as I still believe they only fly low , and nobody has told me different.

My quote regarding Carrot root Flies.

They do fly low when hunting for somewhere to lay their eggs but at all other times are just like other flies. The same goes for Cabbage Root Fly and is for the dreaded Cabbage White Butterfly will very easily search out a brassica from a distance.

It was then that I was trying to advise you!
JB.

I have a low mesh fence (about 1 metre) all round. If I did not, I would probably give up, as I don't have an allotment to feed rabbits and muntjac ! It certainly is not about any sort of terratorial behaviour, and does not seem to deter conversation with other plot holders for me.

Of course, it would be much better if the whole site were fenced off against rabbits, deer and riff-raff, but I don't expect much joy persuading the council !

I never heard of putting up a fence to keep out insects before. They are so small and light that even if they can't fly very strongly they only need a bit of wind assistance and can get anywhere.

I do think that a well made fence can look very attractive though and the most well kept allotments I've ever seen were in Poland. They all had a fairly low picket type fence and gate on, so they weren't completely obscured from all the other plots, but had a neat edge and some had wire netting on the inside, I presume to keep out rabbits. They also had the most amazing home made sheds which were also well made and cared for.

I think the main problem with allotments here is that they can soon look like a shanty town which is probably why the rules and regulations are made. I would think that if deer, other animals and vandals are a serious problem a good perimeter fence would be the best option. Most allotment sites in the Sheffield area seem to have these as a matter of course and there aren't any rules to stop you having a fence round your allotment, only the height, and the council have even erected these and provided sheds or greenhouses on some (but not many - usually in deprived areas).

Thanks everyone for your views and comments. An interesting debate.
Obviously a trend that will continue with different opinions but hopefully will keep our allotments a thriving community for the future.

Beryl.