Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Draft 4 Allotment Action Plan

Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Draft 4 Allotment Action Plan Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 1

Aims of the Allotments Action Plan Aim 1: To have sites which are welcoming and accessible to all Aim 2: To have healthy, safe and secure allotments Aim 3: To have well-maintained and clean allotments Aim 4: To create environmentally sustainable allotments Aim 5: To improve and encourage biodiversity and conservation Aim 6: To promote community involvement and social inclusion Aim 7: To work in partnerships with groups and agencies to support and develop the use of allotments Aim 8: To recognise the valuable cultural and landscape heritage of Barnsley s allotments Aim 9: To develop a marketing plan for allotments Aim 10: To improve the management of allotments Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 2

Aim 1: To have sites which are welcoming and accessible to all Objective Action Timescale Proposed Outcome/Output Completed Date 1.1 To make sites look By 2011 positive and inviting Welcoming notice boards on all sites priority site Improved local environment and open spaces Entrances clear of rubbish & graffiti By 2012 Increase the uptake of allotments. Well designed entrances / Gates well maintained 1.2 To have good and safe access to sites Develop well-maintained pathways with good quality surfaces Vehicle access limited to certain areas By 2010 By 2011 Improved access 1.3 Provision for the less able-bodied should be made/prioritised on the basis of demand and in accordance with the DDA Safe & secure parking for cars priority sites To improve participation by Disabled people by creating a network of accessible plots across the borough, with the following facilities: raised beds; wide paths; water supply; accessible shed; vehicle access. By 2012 Entrances meet DDA compliance sites are accessible to all and relevant to people s needs 1.4 To have sites which are attractive throughout Transfer under-utilised sites to alternative or temporary uses community gardens orchards designated wildlife areas or other appropriate use wetland area/pond that can also be used as part of the site s drainage system By By Improved local environment and open spaces Rotational strimming of main path edges on allotment sites, where appropriate Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 3

Aim 2 : To have healthy, safe and secure allotments Objective Action Timescale Proposed Outcome/Output Completed Date 2.1 2.7 To improve site security Sites should be assessed to see whether additional fencing should be provided to improve security By 2011 Better Personal security in the allotment People free from the fear of crime Encourage tenants to reduce hedge and fence heights to 1.5 metres Liaise with Barnsley Safer Neighbourhood teams implement Allotment Watch to Introduce tool marking scheme in conjunction with the police Signs saying all tools are security marked are displayed at entrances to sites By Inform tenants of what to do regarding theft and/vandalism Credit card sized cards with police and community warden numbers are distributed to tenants. Information on site notice boards Inform tenants through allotment associations and tenants meetings Carry out security assessment for each site with a member of the police and discussion with tenants and survey of members of the local community 2011 on going 2.2 To ensure that all livestock is well cared for Develop a livestock welfare guide to be sent to all tenants keeping livestock Improved standard of livestock welfare on sites 2.3 To have allotments that are free from dog fouling and dogs are Investigate closer links with Regulatory Service animal welfare officers possible spot check Provide appropriate sites with dog litter bins Inform tenants of what they are able to do regarding By Reduced dog fouling Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 4

under proper control. dog fouling, through tenants meetings, allotment associations, newsletters and Tenant s Handbook Research effective anti-dog fouling posters and display on appropriate sites 2.4 To have health and safety policies in place, in practice and regularly reviewed Liaise with H&S officer and write Heath and Safety policy for allotments Advisory leaflet on personal safety drawn up for use by Site Secretaries Risk assessment sheets drawn up for allotment working parties Improved heath and safety 2.5 To protect volunteers working on allotments Research insurance cover and look at cover for volunteers on Council s insurance policy Check that organisations with volunteers working on allotment sites have adequate insurance cover By Volunteers covered by adequate insurance protection Form signed by organisation stating that they have adequate insurance cover for volunteers and will notify the Allotments Officer when they require insurance cover for working parties etc. 2.6 To have allotments free from hazards to health Tenants are made aware of what to do regarding asbestos, unsafe structures, glass, barbed wire Letters to tenants re: removal of hazards, information in newsletters, section in Tenant s Handbook about actions to take regarding potential hazards to health. Removal of hazards to health from sites Tenants aware of how to report hazards & have them removed 2.8Appropriate provision of facilities A toilet (possibly the composting type) should be provided where there is a demand and on sites and where there are tenants willing to look after them key priority sites 2012 2010 Improved local environment, accessible to all and relevant to people s needs Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 5

An action plan will be drawn up to provide a piped water supply to all key priority sites subject to funding and demand Investigate provision of Communal site cabins for Allotment associations Aim 3 : To have well-maintained and clean allotments Objective Action Timescale Proposed Outcome/Output Completed Date 3.1 To improve litter and Improved litter collection on sites where litter is waste management a problem Reduce fly tipping & litter on sites by warning notices, litter collection when necessary. Regular inspection of sites for litter. Action taken against identified fly tippers Research skip demand 3.2 To improve grounds maintenance Review existing grounds maintenance Have site plans drawn up showing which hedge and grass areas the Council is responsible for cutting, which can be distributed to tenants, Site Secretaries and grounds maintenance teams Rota distributed to Site Secretaries showing when grounds maintenance will take place Clear levels of quality of assurance for grounds maintenance Ensure tenants maintain boundaries that are their responsibility / High standard of maintenance Clause in Tenancy Agreement, section in Tenant s Handbook, information in newsletters, posters on notice boards and a reminding letter followed by warning letter system. Notices put up on sites in late winter and autumn reminding tenants to cut their hedges before the bird nesting season Ensure tenants maintain minor paths that are their responsibility Clause in Tenancy Agreement, section in Tenant s Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 6

Handbook, information in newsletters, posters on notice boards and a reminding letter followed by warning letter system If appropriate, involve tenants in looking after small areas of allotment sites. 3.3 To have properly maintained structures and boundaries These areas could also be used for community gardening by local people who are unable to take on an allotment garden full time Develop well-maintained structures, boundary fences and walls. Monitoring & warning system to encourage tenants to maintain their fences and sheds High standard of maintenance Maintenance programme for boundaries By 2010 Survey of sites for removal of derelict structures Removal of graffiti as soon as possible Aim 4 : To create environmental sustainable allotments Objective Action Timescale Proposed Outcome/Output Completion Review 4.1 To introduce and environmental management policy Research with appropriate groups and organisations for relevant information for an environmental policy Improved environmental sustainability To create an environmental management policy for allotment sites By 2010 Information passed on to site representatives, allotment associations, tenants and contractors to encourage good environmental practices To set objectives and targets for environmental improvement Measure, record and evaluate the environmental practices on allotment sites Seek to improve environmental practices by reviewing environmental policy and its objectives and targets By By 20011 By Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 7

4.2 To reduce the use of chemicals Research use of herbicides and pesticides on allotment sites Reduction in use of chemicals on sites 4.3 To improve waste management and improve recycling opportunities Reduce chemical use on allotment sites by encouraging tenants to reduce use of chemicals e.g.allotment workshops to teach organic gardening organic information in newsletters,section in Tenant s handbook on organic practices, work with allotment associations to sell organic alternatives in their shops Create information package on safe use and storage of chemicals pass on information through allotment associations and tenants meetings, section in Tenants Handbook regarding safe use and storage of chemicals Waste management plan for allotment sites option of a communal composting facility to make use of its green waste periodic rubbish collection facilities as agreed with the site committee and the allotments officer By 2010 Sustainable use and reuse of resources Schemes to recycle waste plastic e.g. bags and plant pots 2010 Develop links with Barnsley Recycling Officer and other appropriate groups and organisations Tenants informed about recycling practices Workshops on composting, compost bin schemes are promoted, 4.5 To reduce the amount of pollution generated on allotments Section in Tenant s handbook regarding use of bonfires and information on composting All new tenants receive a copy of Using a Bonfire Tenants are aware of alternatives to bonfires and good practice using bonfires Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 8

4.6 To improved water efficiency guidelines Section in Tenant s Handbook on organic gardening to reduce chemical use Regular checks on taps on all sites Taps are upgraded with protective coverings and taps in line with current legislation, as funds permit Links with Yorkshire Water to develop a Use Water Wisely campaign Investigate Reduced price water butts available for tenants By Tenants are aware of non-chemical alternatives Sustainable use of resources Links with Yorkshire Water and other appropriate organisations for reduced price water butts for tenants By Section in Tenants Handbook on water saving practices Monitor water bills to identify possible leaks and to target efficiencies Aim 5 : To improve and encourage biodiversity and conservation Objective Action Timescale Proposed Outcome/Output Completion Date 5.1 To identify and recognise areas rich in wildlife value To carry out an environmental audit of key priority allotment sites, Key allotment sites have individual environmental audits 5.2 To prepare biodiversity management plans for each site 5.3 To improve and protect the range of habitats available for wildlife To develop site management plans for each key priority allotment site, following research involving, Barnsley Countryside section and other groups and organisations Liaise with appropriate groups and organise events to put up nest boxes for birds on appropriate allotment sites Install hibernation niches for wildlife By By Improved biodiversity and wildlife habitats Improved biodiversity and wildlife habitats Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 9

Planting fruit trees, shrubs and native trees of local provenance, if possible, in appropriate areas Create pond or wetland areas in appropriate areas where possible e.g. plots that are now unusable due to flooding Develop as wildlife habitats, where appropriate 20049 Encourage tenants to create wildlife habitats on their plots and wildlife friendly gardening techniques Expert advice should be sought on how allotments can contribute to the enhancement of biodiversity, and actions to address the issue included in the 5-year plan. 5.4 To develop tenants support of biodiversity and conservation Wildife surveys of sites to promote awareness of the issue of biodiversity and conservation Include biodiversity on the agendas of Site Secretaries and Tenant s Meetings Include information on wildlife gardening techniques in newsletters, workshops and Tenants Handbook Posters up on sites illustrating the wildlife that can be seen on the allotment site Posters informing tenants when to cut hedges to protect birds in the nesting season Speakers invited to give talks to tenants on wildlife gardening, attracting birds etc as part of Tenants meetings By Direct involvement of tenants with issue of biodiversity and conservation educating people about the natural environment Source discounted water butts and compost bins and promote to tenants Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 10

Aim 6 : To promote community involvement and social inclusion Objectives Actions Timescale Proposed Outcome/Output Completion Date 6.1 To identify the community who use allotment sites Carry out surveys and questionnaires By A clear picture of which sections of the community use the allotment site 6.2 To increase community involvement Use sampling methods at different times of day The role and composition of Site Associations should be revised to take into account neighbourhood community interests Support allotment tenants who may wish to develop self-managed allotment sites or develop allotment associations By A defined picture of daily use of each site is created using local environments and community assets to help build sustainable local economies Promotion of allotment sites as a community resource Open days on allotments Encourage sites and groups to attend Community Markets to sell surplus produce surplus produce donated to old people s homes, local hospice Community food growing schemes Allotment sites enjoy greater support and stronger links with their surrounding communities Better a sense of ownership and civic pride by increasing the capacity of communities to plan, develop and run projects that improve their local environments Develop a system of allotment gardens for specific purposes on appropriate sites, such as: Green gym garden for people who want to develop their level of health Demonstration allotment garden for educational purposes School gardening clubs Allotment gardens for people with disabilities Therapeutic allotment garden for people with mental health difficulties Identify & target groups who could become involved in allotment gardening e.g. schools, homeless groups, Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 11

6.3 To improve education and learning opportunities refugee organisations, health groups Designated education courses developed: Allotment gardening courses for tenants Allotment workshops for new tenants run 4 x per year Promotion of gardening courses e.g. investigate courses run at Barnsley College Educational activities based on allotment sites: Walks explaining wildlife of sites Educational packages on offer to local schools based on allotments e.g. composting, the food chain, environment etc. Schools encouraged to 'adopt a plot' Carry out a skills audit as a prelude to embarking on a prioritized training programme Enabling communities to lead healthier and more environmentally sustainable lifestyles, in particular by making the links between food, exercise and health Improved social, economic and environmental sustainability Aim 7 : To work in partnerships with groups and agencies to support and develop the use of allotments Objectives Actions Timescale Proposed Outcome/Output Completion Date 7.1 To identify all groups who are, or may be, able to work in partnership Create a database with organisations and contact details for existing groups Identify potential groups and add to database as potential new contacts Easy access contact list that can be used by other interested bodies e.g. allotment associations 7.2 To develop joint projects with partner organisations that increase the sustainability of allotment gardening Explore partnerships with relevant agencies e.g. Groundwork Dearne Valley parish councils and local community partnerships Better collaboration between communities and the voluntary and statutory sector Greater sense of community ownership of the local environment Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 12

Aim 8: To recognise the valuable cultural and landscape heritage of Barnsley s allotments Objective Action Timescale Proposed Outcome/Output Completion Date 8.1 To assess and record the heritage value of each allotment site Contact local tenants and local history groups for information on allotments sites. 200 8 Existing knowledge is gathered and compiled to form an allotment history resources Develop activities that look at the heritage of our sites 8.2 To raise awareness of the heritage value of allotments Develop schemes that promote the heritage value of our sites Information packs for local schools Leaflets, videos, tape recordings etc recording the value of our sites Information boards on site with details of the heritage value of the site Better educating people increasing their knowledge about natural environment e.g. an allotment garden during World War II or a plot showing allotment gardening styles from their origins to the present day 8.3 To develop an archive of Barnsley s allotments Apply for Heritage Funding to promote the heritage value of our sites Collect photos, articles and memorabilia Accessible archive, training material Aim 9: To develop a marketing plan for allotments Objective Action Timescale Propose Outcome/Output Completion Date 9.1 To develop and Corporate image to make Council allotment gardens Readily identifiable image that promotes a positive review the marketing plan readily identifiable image of Council allotment gardens Promotional strategy in practice & regularly reviewed To undertake a comparison of fees and charges A marketing strategy that responds to marketing opportunities and the needs of the allotments service National and regional comparison available to Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 13

9.2 To provide good quality information about the service to users and non users Publicity information readily available: How to get an allotment information Posters to publicise allotments Posters to advertise individual sites Guides to good allotment practice and for prospective allotment holders should be produced Roles of Site Representative Bi-annual tenants newsletter Produce Service standards charter Update allotments web page Map of Barnsley showing allotment sites guide Barnsley fees and charges Easily accessible, attractive information that enables easy access to allotment sites and supports allotment tenants Welcome Pack with information enclosed in folder 9.3 To promote the service through a variety of media, outlets and events Waiting list positions should be communicated annually Draw up annual calendar of events for allotments & publicise on web page, in libraries health centres, schools, community centres, local pubs, shops, information centres Possible publicity events: Allotments week Allotments competition International Women s Week Green & Growing fair Art competition for schools Regular promotion of site events in the Media through press releases / photo opportunities, radio interviews Approach local media re: sponsoring or cultivating an allotment garden Increased community involvement with healthier and more active people and communities links with the community are maintained and developed Aim 10 : To improve the management of allotments Objective Action Timescale Proposed Outcome/Output Completion Date Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 14

10.1 To improve efficiency of site management Allotment plots numbered Draw up management plan for key priority allotment sites Regular meetings with tenants, site secretaries & allotment associations to review management plans for each allotment site & set site priorities Improved standards for the provision of allotments in terms of quality, quantity and accessibility 10.2 To increase tenants involvement with the management of allotments 10.3 To provide efficient allotments administration Tenants consulted on allotment policy via tenants meetings, surveys, site representatives meetings Contact details of Allotment Team promoted as widely as possible Consultation process regarding work that allotments administration covers and when activities need to take place Better a sense of ownership and civic pride by increasing the capacity of communities to plan, develop and run projects that improve their local environments By Improved standards for the provision of allotments in terms of quality, quantity and accessibility Create clear policies for: receiving a warning letter, appeals against eviction, maintaining a waiting list; caring for livestock A survey of land for new sites should be undertaken in areas where waiting lists are high and a survey of under used allotments should be undertaken in areas where demand is low. The current allotment tenancy agreement; should be reviewed by the Council in consultation with the Steering Group Surveys on a site-by-site basis should be carried out to identify under-utilisation and an action plan should be prepared to deal with the issue By Information to inform future strategy Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 15

Research the development of a dedicated BMBC allotments website, which identifies allotment vacancies and allows individuals to apply for allotments online 10.4The search for funding should be extended as widely as possible and should include encouraging allotment sites to undertake fundraising Investment of capital receipts from surplus land disposals List of funding priorities for each allotment site drawn up, with prices for each scheme of work Sources of funding identified, information sent out to site secretaries, tenant groups and allotment associations Support for allotment associations making independent bids for funding Source of income for re investment in allotments Readily available schemes of work for funding bids Increased application for additional sources of allotment funding Increased revenue for allotment sites, greater involvement of tenants with their site 10.5 Increase take up allotments Clearing and rotovating vacant plots for new Tenants : to include a basket of services that can be offered to tenants at an additional cost Prospective tenants should be offered the opportunity to have half or shared plots To reduce tenancy turnover Ensuring that all sites are secure Information sheets for allotment issues e.g. vandalism, weed control, what to grow when, weed identification etc Clear communication between tenants and Allotments team via publication of contact details and hours of working Tenants are aware of Council support and feel involved with their site Tenants feel involved with their site and are provided with opportunities to have fun and get to know their neighbours Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 16

Educational opportunities and gardening information is provided for inexperienced gardeners. System of garden mentors is created so that each site has a nominated garden mentor Ongoing advice and support given through Tenants meetings, newsletters, Site Secretaries meetings and tenants Welcome Pack Promotion of site social activities By Research possible discounts for allotment tenants from garden centres etc By 2010 10.6 To monitor and review the Action Plan Source discounted water butts and compost bins Carry out a quality audit every 2 years to measure improvements Survey of site representatives, allotment associations and tenants for feedback on the work of the allotments service Clear objectives set for each year within an identifiable time frame Carry out 2 tenant surveys and 2012 Regular review of allotments service s practices following feedback from surveys Review Allotments management plan, consult and plan an allotments for the next 5 years 2013 The Assistant Director of Neighbourhood Services should review the annual revenue budget for allotments 2012 The level of plot rental should be reviewed as soon as practicable and annually thereafter 10.7 To be a member of Maintain membership of the National Association of The allotments service keeps up to date with Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 17

the national allotment organisation and to take part national projects, which raise the profile of allotments Leisure and Allotment Gardeners and the Allotment Regeneration Initiative Networking with other allotment officers and groups & organisations involved with the management of allotments and open spaces current good practice in allotment management To enter the National Vegetable Society allotment competition 2011 10.8 To be recognised as a national example of good practice Obtain Charter mark accreditation 2012 To monitor against external criteria how successful the management of Barnsley allotments is and to identify possible areas for development and improvement 10.9 To deliver the allotment Management plan Set up Barnsley Allotment Project Board and scope for priority sites Establish survey work carried out already Carry out surveys on individual sites Improved Key allotment sites with healthier and more active people and communities working together to tackle their problems Establish links with user groups on priority sites and increase community involvement in the action Pan Carry out capital improvements Seek funding as match to capital receipts Develop sites and user involvementeducation/awareness raising Maintain a quality audit of allotment provision across the Borough Income from the sale of surplus allotment land to used to Fund capital improvements -2012-12 Barnsley MBC Neighbourhood Services Allotment Action Plan 18