Tenancy agreement

The Tenancy Agreement is renewed every year, and plot holders must agree annually to abide by it. In practice most plots carry on seamlessly from one year to the next, but it should not be assumed that this is a rolling contract. Basically, this is the rule book for the site, and forms the annual contract/agreement with the association to grow vegetables, fruit and flowers and be responsible for the maintenance of the boundaries surrounding and structures within a plot. In essence you are custodian of that piece of land on a year-by-year basis. Anything else, e.g. creating any form of structure or feature needs the permission of the Trustees.

Advice for plot holders

Here are some reminders for making sure that we enjoy being at Bustardthorpe and are mindful of others.

Do's

Please be vigilant. Sheds and other structures on the closest allotment sites to BAACIO are being targeted by vandals. Please ensure that site gates are locked.

Keep your plots and sheds/greenhouses secure with any valuable tools and other items locked away and out of sight.

Always replace the lid on the track-side water butt. This is a Health & Safety requirement.

If having a fire, make sure you have water in containers before lighting up so that it is ready to douse the fire in an emergency.

Regularly check boundaries, under sheds, in compost heaps for rats – and rabbits! Both are vermin and destroy crops, both yours and your neighbours.  Plug gaps in fences to reduce lines of travel. Turn compost heaps regularly or at least give them a kick or bash with a spade when passing.

Keep weeds under control: ground elder, mare’s tail and bindweed can cause serious problems for your plot and others. It’s best to hoe or pull seedlings early and definitely before they flower and seed.

Please be considerate in your actions and polite to other plot holders, offer a helping hand or advice and please think about helping the Trustees to keep the site tidy and safe by joining a work party.

Dont's

Don’t use your plot as a store or dump for stuff you don’t want at home and are not going to use on your plot for general maintenance: it’s untidy, can attract vermin, cause pollution and makes it more difficult to garden.

Fly tipping of rubbish anywhere on site is prohibited.

Further information

  • Accessing site

    There are two entrances to Bustarthorpe site: the main entrance off Bishopthorpe Road and a pedestrian entrance from the Racecourse car-boot field. In becoming a plotholder and member of BAACIO you will be able to purchase a key that unlocks both gates.

  • What you will need

    To get full enjoyment out of your allotment garden you will need to allocate a regular amount of time every week throughout the year. Yes, there is plenty to do in the winter to prepare for the following growing season! You will need tools that you feel comfortable working with, robust footwear that will protect and support your feet and it is very advisable to wear gloves to protect from unexpected objects in the ground such as shards of glass, nails etc and also from natural hazards such as nettles.

  • Applying for structures, ponds etc.

    If you wish to do anything other than vegetable or flower gardening, eg put a structure up, plant a tree, keep chickens, have a pond etc, for yours and other's safety please email the Trustees at bustardthorpeallotments@gmail.com seeking advice as to how to apply for permission.

  • DIY support

    Details of handymen who will do work for payment can be found on the shop noticeboards.

  • Supporting wildlife

    Plotholders are encouraged to support wildlife on their allotment gardens whether that is with a bird box, bug hotel, insect friendly plants etc.

  • Keeping plots tidy

    Plots aren't expected to be absolutely pristine all year round. However, there are frequent problems with rampant weeds such as bindweed, or ammassing of stuff that isn't for gardening. This compromises a plotholder's tenancy as it is in contravention to the Tenancy Agreement and also impacts on their neighbours.

  • Small adverts on the noticeboard

    Please email your ad to bustardthorpeallotments@gmail.com for inclusion.