Shepherds Hill Allotments

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
 

 
 
BONFIRE BAN
 
Following discussions at recent AGMs, the Committee has taken the decision to ban bonfires across the site.  We have taken this decision now because: 

1. the evidence that burning is harmful both for the environment and human health is compelling;
2. we have now established an alternative to burning on site by creating a successful communal composting area where tenants can take their excess green and woody waste, and 
3. we are acting in line with an increasing number of allotment sites and Councils that have already introduced bans.

 We may consider controlled communal bonfires in designated areas on the site on specific days, with instructions of what will and will not be permissible to burn, subject to any regulations issued by Haringey Council.
 
This ban applies to both open bonfires and incinerators.  
 
If you have any questions please send them to info@ 
 
HAVE YOU GOT RUBBISH ON YOUR PLOT TO GET RID OF?
 
Beth Brown has kindly offered to be a point of contact for plot holders who want to join forces and organise a communal rubbish removal.  She will help coordinate a licensed rubbish collector through the website LoveJunk.
 
OPENING UP THE BARN
 
We would like to trial opening the Barn on a more ad-hoc basis for people who want to pop in and have a place to drink their tea and coffee.  If you’d like to help with making this work please get in touch through info@
 
LOCAL EVENTS
 
Muswell Hill Autumn Show on Saturday, 21^st September at 3pm at North Bank Pages Lane, N10 
 
Highgate Horticultural Show on Sunday 29 September at 2.00pm- at United Reform Church South Grove, Highgate N6  

SHA Committee
September 2024

Lots of news and information – please take the time to read!
 
Trading Shed
We are pleased to announce that the trading Shed will resume openings on Sundays 11-12, From Sunday 4th August.  The recent survey confirmed that there is no asbestos in the roof.
 
Communal composting area/Working Party this Sunday 4^th August
Establishing a communal composting area on Plot 83 is proving complicated.  It relies on everyone who is using it following the instructions of what to put where (green waste into the BACK of the bay) and woody material such as branches in the ‘dead hedges’ around the bay.  Unfortunately waste has been piled high at the front of the bay, making it very difficult to access the space at the back.  
 
Please come and join a maintenance working party this Sunday 4^th August 10.30 – 12.30 on Plot 83 (follow the signs) to help sort out the composting area so everyone can use it as intended. All welcome.  Bring a fork and secateurs if you can.
 
We will be putting up some new, more detailed signs – please make sure you follow the instructions carefully of what to put where.
 
Thefts
Sadly, there has been a number of thefts of produce reported across the site. It is very distressing for tenants to discover, after all their care and hard work, they have lost their produce. We ask everyone to:

• Be vigilant. Keep an eye on your own as well as your neighbours' plots
• Report all suspected thefts, with your plot number, and an approximate idea of when the theft might have happened to info@shepherdshillallotments.co.uk so we can try and monitor where and when the thefts are occurring.

Plot 15 Communal Garden
We welcome anyone who would like to come along and help on Plot 15, cutting back and weeding on Wednesday 14th August 10-12. Tea/coffee and a slice of cake for your work.
 
Make sure your plot is inspection-ready
As you’ll be aware, Haringey Council regularly carries out inspections on all allotment sites, and our next one is likely to be some time in the autumn.  So now is a good time to check your plot is inspection-ready, with a reminder that allotments are expected to be kept weed free and 75% cultivated (for more details of how cultivation is defined see the ‘tenants notes and responsibilities’ document on our website). Plots must also be kept clean with refuse taken from plots, pathways maintained and kept clear, and plot numbers clearly displayed. 
 
Tool Sharpening days at Sunshine Garden Centre
Taking place in the car park at Sunshine on Monday 5^th August and Monday 9^th Sept.  See poster with details below.
 
Shepherds Hill Allotments is on Instagram!
Do follow us if you’re an Instagram user.
 
Dates for your diary

• Maintenance working party on Plot 83 this Sunday 4^th August 10.30. All welcome, please come and help.  Bring a fork and secateurs if you can.

• Café at the Barn: Wed 14^th August 10.30-12.00
• Discussion group: Sunday 25^th August at 12.00, followed by lunch at 1.00.  At this discussion we’re asking those with experience of no-dig to share their knowledge, so do come along and join in.  Followed by our popular summer salads for lunch! 
• Café at the Barn: Wed 11^th September 10.30-12.00
• Discussion group: Sunday 22^nd Sept at 12.00, followed by lunch at 1.00

Local groups with a focus on growing food
We want to start a regular feature in our newsletter to publicise local community groups that plot holders may be interested in knowing about/publicising/getting involved with. Let us know if there’s a group you’d like us to feature.
 
This month we mention two groups: Edible Landscapes based in Finsbury Park which aims to help Londoners grow more of their own food, with a focus on ‘forest gardening’, and Living Under One Sun, a community-led charity in Tottenham running a café and garden in Down Lane Park, with lots of food and flower-growing workshops and activities. 
 
Enjoy gardening in the sunshine!

SHA Allotment Committee
August 2024