Standard of Cultivation
​
Cultivation Standards
​
1. It is essential for the enjoyment of all allotment gardeners that plots are maintained to a minimum standard of cultivation. This document states how and why non-cultivated plots will be managed by the White Farm Allotments Association committee.
2. Existing Members: Poor cultivation results in the spread of weeds and diseases to members who work hard to keep their plots well cultivated. Poorly cultivated plots reduce the enjoyment resulting from the natural beauty of the site.
3. Waiting List: The length of the waiting list is directly related to the standard of cultivation expected of existing tenants, and the measures taken to enforce these standards. It is unfair on people on the waiting list if existing plots fall behind standards set by the association.
4. Council: It is a requirement of the agreement between Birmingham City Council and White Farm Allotments Association that a reasonable standard of cultivation be maintained. It is also a requirement of the tenancy agreement and local rules.
5. Funding and Improvements: If the committee are to seek funds for site improvement it is essential that the site is well maintained and that members are committed to having a well run and well cultivated site, without this obtaining funding becomes more difficult.
Minimum Standard of Cultivation
​
a. In order to be fair to other tenants all plots must be cultivated in a way that does not interfere with the enjoyment of neighbouring tenants throughout the growing season. The majority of the plot should be fully cultivated within a complete
growing season the rest being allocated to sheds and or greenhouse/poly tunnels, compost bins etc. In order to achieve this
the following minimum standard applies:
b. The plot is in readiness for growing.
c. The plot is well stocked with growing produce relevant to the time of year.
d. The plot is in the process of being prepared for the following crops or season.
e. Weed seed heads should be removed before they have set.
f. Pernicious weeds such as bindweed, couch grass brambles must be controlled before they have spread.
g. Removal of long grass which may harbour slugs and snails.
h. Keeping paths free of hazards to allow free and unimpeded access and to ensure grass paths are regularly kept trimmed. Plot
holders are responsible for the path on the left of their plot looking up from the roadway.
i. The fertility of the soil should be maintained. This can be done by incorporating manure or other organic material i.e. garden compost.
j. Your plot should only be used for the growing of fruit, vegetables or flowers.
​
Remember you may lose your plot if you fail to meet these standards.
​
Enforcement
​
White Farm Allotments Management Committee has signed a Management Agreement with Birmingham City Council. This Agreement requires us to enforce the process relating to standards of cultivation.
​
The Process
​
1) Plots will be checked by the committee to determine whether they comply with the standards of cultivation as set out above.
2) If the standards are not met the committee will issue a letter of concern giving 28 days notice to make improvements to the plot.
3) If no or little improvement is made the committee will issue a formal notice of re-entry giving a further 28 days for improvement.
4) If no or little improvement is made after this time the committee will recommend to Birmingham City Council that they issue a notice to terminate the tenancy.
5) The plot holder will then have seven days from the date of the notice from the BCC to vacate the site.
​
Appeals
​
If a dispute about standards of cultivation arises between a plot holder and management committee the BDAC will be asked to intervene and mediate between the two parties.
​
If you have difficulty in maintaining the standard and have a genuine reason for this please let a member of the committee know in order that this can be taken into account.
Dated: 27/07/2017