Author: A Place To Grow Your Own

Yes folks, that’s what it has cost PPAA to have the great heap of fly-tipping removed. That’s almost the entirety of PPAA’s annual Council grant. The contractors took twenty loads, and they say that around sixty tons were removed.

So the minority who fly-tipped have had this sum spent on them, rather than its having been used for the benefit of the many times more responsible plot holders who didn’t. Still, life’s often like that, but let’s hope that general vigilance for this antisocial lawlessness is improved by people’s considering these facts and figures.

Those who fly-tip define themselves as lazy – among other things – and so it follows that this affects what they fly-tip too. The material was largely the product of the type of weeding that goes with poor husbandry, that is, large root clumps, consisting mainly of earth, where the gardener couldn’t be bothered to shake off the soil. The soil won’t rot, and so a heap of it quickly builds. Accordingly, the source plot levels become ever lower season-by-season, and it’s a great pity that the material removed couldn’t have been used to restock the topsoil of such plots and to bring them up to a proper height again, but most of them now have new holders who are working them. The heap also contained a significant amount of general rubbish – old carpet, pallets, plastic, etc., and this had to be sorted and disposed of separately.

Whatever, it’s an unalloyed good and happy thing, to see the transformation of the part of site that used to be the heap, and its surroundings, and especially to see the plot’s tenants – for the heap was always part of a plot – get to work straight away on cultivating it. We wish them many years of happy and undisturbed gardening there!

Our thanks go to Wendy Gunter, PPAA Treasurer, for organising these works.

PPA Website Team.

Present:  Richard Masterman (Chair), Sue Jones, Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Martin Pasek, Robert Loxton, Mike Powell

Apologies:  Lewis Evans, Gordon Goldsmith

Previous Minutes:

Meeting date 17^th October 2023: Previously approved. 

Actions from previous meeting

• No reply received from the Council regarding email 18 October and Road 3 safety hazard.
• Dave King thanked the Committee for acknowledging Cardiff Rivers effort in recovering the trolley from the Taff.
• No reply received from Richard/Mike’s enquiry to other sites regarding Risk Assessments.
• Mike had reported the suspect Ash tree near the composting toilet to the Council who had acknowledged receipt of the report.

Other items to be addressed as the agenda.

Chair Report 

• Items to be addressed as the agenda.

Site Representative 

• Council.

The next Council meeting with site representatives to be 15^th November. Richard to attend.

• PPAA

As agenda

Treasurer’s report

Wendy reviewed a number of planned expenditure items which are covered below.

Site Security

• Richard is awaiting a Risk Assessment from the contractor regarding extra security measures for the bottom [southeast] gate.
• A wildlife camera trap has been obtained and will be set up shortly.

Waste heap and shed debris removal

• The shed debris next to Plot 2 has been removed.
• The contractor to remove the large waste heap has been engaged and work should progress this week.

Road 3 culvert

• A concerted effort has been made by Committee members and volunteers to clear the silt. Slip hazard warning signs have been installed.

Hedgehog boxes

• Sue to contact a plot holder who has expressed an interest in assisting with assembling and locating the boxes. 
• Martin suggested creating hedgehog under passes on the boundary fencing to assist with the wide range of hedgehog foraging. 

Plot Inspections

• No response has been received from the Council regarding the plot termination referrals.

Plot Vacancies, letting and structure applications.

Sue reported the following movement since the last meeting:

• All new tenancies in the 6-week probation period have now successfully been confirmed.
• 2 vacant plots waiting viewings.
• 1 application for a structure.

 Manure

• Now delivered but future deliveries are not assured.

Poly tunnel allocations 2024

• 6 grow beds will become available in February 2024 and the process of application and draw will begin in December.

Water trough water 

• Mains water has been isolated for the winter. Plot holders in the vicinity of a trough are encouraged to carry out the simple task of cleaning out any settled dirt. To ensure the clean-up takes place volunteers are requested to contact the Committee via Gmail so a combined effort can be organised.

Shop

• Seed potatoes and onion sets will soon be ordered for delivery in the New Year. A notice will be posted on the website giving details and inviting expressions of interest from plot holders.

Any Other Business

• All plot holders should contact the Committee only via the PPAA Gmail.
• Sue requested all Committee member email correspondence with Council departments be limited to the PPAA Gmail account so that accurate records can be kept. If desired, personal emails should only be used for preliminary discussions with contractors or suppliers. 

Date of next meeting

19:00 Tuesday 5^th December 2023 at Butcher’s Arms Canton.

Present:  Richard Masterman (Chair), Sue Jones, Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Martin Pasek, Robert Loxton, Lewis Evans, Gordon Goldsmith, Mike Powell

Apologies: Dan Hostler

Previous Minutes:

Meeting date 5^th September 2023: Previously approved. 

Actions from previous meeting

Items to be addressed as the agenda.

Chair Report

Richard welcomed Mike to the Committee

Site Representative 

• Council.

The Council have given a response to the overflowing culvert issue on Road 3. The PPAA Committee, who do not accept aspects of this response, have replied to the Council accordingly. 

In the meanwhile the PPAA Committee have independently and WITHOUT PREJUDICE committed to warning signage, and to clearance of the silt – which is underway .  

• PPAA

As agenda

Treasurer’s report

• Wendy advised that Dave King had confirmed he would continue to act as account auditor for which the Committee are very grateful. 
• A token of gratitude would be made to Cardiff Rivers Group for this and for their assistance in recovering the trolley and the continuing collection and removal of metallic waste.

Site Security

• Richard has obtained a quote from a metal fabricator to improve the security of the bottom gate by making it more difficult to climb over. Intruders have been seen on several occasions to climb over the gate and have been aggressive to plot holders. The Committee approved the expenditure. Richard to obtain a risk assessment from the contractor and action.
• The cost of installing full cctv was proving excessive and it was agreed that wildlife cameras would be obtained and discreetly positioned at suitable locations. 

Autumn hedge trim

• This will be carried out when most leaves have fallen.

Waste heap and shed debris removal

• It is anticipated that this will be carried out in the next few weeks depending on contractor work schedule and a period of dry weather; work to take up to 3 days to complete.
• Wendy volunteered to pursue the removal of shed debris next to Plot 2.

Hedgehog boxes

• 5 have been procured and will be installed.

Plot Inspections

• 7 plots had been identified as long-term overgrown with no sign of activity and had been referred to the Council for terminating the rental agreement. 
• Sue confirmed that all new prospective new plot holders were apprised of the demands of maintaining a plot and Council procedures for neglect. A 6-week probation period is in operation for new plot holders.

Plot Vacancies, letting and structure applications.

Sue reported the following movement since the last meeting:

5 new tenants in the 6-week probation period

1 vacant plot waiting viewings.

1 vacant plot in bad condition to be cleared before letting.

1 plot being cleared and nearly ready for letting.

1 application for a structure.

Manure

A Committee member had recently met with a Council representative who had agreed to investigate manure delivery.

Post meeting note: manure has now been delivered.

Poly tunnel allocations 2024

6 grow beds will become available in February 2024 and the process of application and draw will begin in December.

Water trough water 

Mains water will be isolated for the winter at the end of October.

Any Other Business

• Mike queried the requirement of a site specific Risk Assessment. Richard to enquire if other allotment sites have adopted any procedures.
• Mike noted that a large ash tree near the composting toilet appears to have die back and will advise the Council.

Date of next meeting

19:00 Tuesday 7^th November 2023 at Butcher’s Arms Canton.

Now’s that time of year on site when many of us choose to tidy up our plots from the summer growing season, and to start preparing them for the spring. It also makes it an ideal time for new plot holders to start on a plot, as they now have the time to prepare for the next season’s activities.

With that in mind, it’s also a good time for anyone thinking of giving up their plot – or wanting to explore the relevant options – to do so.

Around the site there’re quite a few plots which’ve seen minimal, or even no, cultivation during this last year. There can be many reasons for this, but there’re options which might help to see some of them being worked productively again.

If a plot’s too big, then the holder could swap it for a smaller one, or the plot could be split.

Maybe there’s someone who would like to share their plot – after all, the Council have people on the waiting list who’ve specified this very thing as a choice.

Or maybe – as’ll be the case for us all in due course – the time’s come for the holder to give up their tenancy.

Anyone wanting to discuss options is cordially invited to contact PPAA Committee, and the range of possible next steps can then be identified and considered.

It’s important for us all to remember this though. A plot holder who releases their tenancy voluntarily isn’t prevented from putting their name back on a Cardiff allotment waiting list. However, that’s not the case if the Council end the tenancy compulsorily.

It’s dispiriting to see new gardeners give up because they struggle to keep their plots sufficiently weed-free to be productive, indeed, acceptable, under the terms of tenancy.

There’s a recurrent pattern, where the new plot holder invests a lot of effort, perhaps even enlists help, to weed the plot, but is then daunted to see that a mere month or so later the myriad seeds have germinated and then rapidly grown, so that the plot looks little different from when they first took it.

The problem often seems to be a lack of knowledge, as to the proper use of two simple, basic tools – the hoe and the rake, and of the effects of time on the growth of weeds.

So, to start at the beginning, once the heavy work of first clearing has been done, it’s essential to prevent weeds from re-establishing themselves, but this needn’t be difficult, and this is where hoe and rake come into the picture. If the gardener can attend at least once every ten days or so during the growing season, then the small weeds and seedlings can easily be destroyed, by using a pull hoe to cut them and their roots away from the underlying soil, working methodically in strips, to avoid trampling the weeds back in, or re-covering them with successive work. This is by far best done in dry weather so that the weeds quickly shrivel and die. After the hoe, a rake can be used to gather up the weeds for the compost heap. It’s best not to leave them as, a shower of rain can water them back in, and some will recover. However, it’s crucial not to allow the weeds time to put down deep roots, and so regular attendance – at least once every ten days – is essential.

That said, however, using a hoe and rake isn’t hard work. If done regularly, then unlike digging it doesn’t need much strength or energy, doesn’t involve bending like weeding with a trowel, and it’s very quick.

If the gardener hasn’t much time, then a low-maintenance plot should be designed so that it may easily be managed by hoe-and-rake. Too many structures – raised beds, cages etc. can hinder the use of these wonderful, simple tools.

A Word About Bay Trees

We’re used to seeing these as attractive small shrubs in tubs, as topiary features, outside restaurants and other public places, and it might be tempting to include one in an allotment herb garden. However, the ones that we see out-and-about are only small because they’re in containers and regularly trimmed. The fact is, that bay is a fast-growing evergreen, a laurel. Planted in free soil it quickly becomes a large, very dense tree. Furthermore, the Council have confirmed, that bay trees are simply broadleaf trees, and are therefore prohibited under Clause Seven in the Schedule forming part of our Tenancy Agreements.

Part of the volunteers’ work is clearing plots ready for new tenants, and an increasingly large part of their time and energy is being taken in dealing with neglected bay trees, which shouldn’t have been planted in the first place.

If anyone wants to grow one of these, then please keep it in a container, one from which it can’t root into the soil, and prune it regularly. After all, how many bay leaves would even the most enthusiastic cook need in a year – a couple of handfuls?

There’s at least one bay in the hedge by the spine road in any case, so if anyone wants a few leaves for a stew then they’re very welcome to help themselves.

The recent weather has been perfect for the rapid growth of weeds, and it’s a fact of the terms of tenancy, that the responsibility for keeping these paths weed-free and usable rests jointly with the holders of the adjoining plots, but not with either PPAA Committee or with the Council – unlike the position with the trackways.

It might assist some to remember then, that it’s also a fact that PPA – like the rest of Cardiff allotment sites – isn’t an organic site. Plot holders are therefore entitled to use chemical weed suppressant if convenient or expedient in the maintenance of these paths. So PPAA Committee understand – on that basis – that no one should hinder or harass any plot holder so doing. If the occupant of an adjoining plot wished to ensure that no splashes whatsoever went onto their plot, then the option is always fully open to them to maintain the path in a weed-free condition themselves.

Where the paths are grass, tenants are encouraged to share the burden of their cutting co-operatively. Where, however, someone refuses to do that, there is no rule which says that the grass must be retained.

Everyone is reminded, that even if they are fortunate enough not to need to use these paths, their neighbours may very well need them for access to their plots and to water troughs, and so it’s very important that they not be blocked by encroaching compost heaps, or by junk etc. either.

Where Is The Big Heap, and how did it arise?

The very large pile – mainly of fly tipping – is on the southwest part of plot 50. Other parts of plot 50’s historic area have been, by proper process and recognised by the Council, assimilated into adjoining plots 48a and 48b, and the ever-growing heap is now encroaching on their long-suffering tenants – besides being an eyesore and source of weed nuisance to them.

The heap arose because some years ago, the then PPAA Committee had the well-intentioned idea – as an experiment – of using this plot’s shady portion as a collective composting heap. The idea was that volunteers would process the compost – as it rotted – into a useful product, and that it would be kept under control. However, it quickly became clear that the huge amounts of waste rapidly dumped there – and its containing general rubbish and not just biomass – could not be processed in that way, and so the experiment was abandoned – as publicised several times in previous Committee Minutes.

Human nature and wishful thinking being what it is though, along with the genie being well and truly out of its bottle, and thanks to a safety-in-numbers sense, quite numerous tenants have continued to fly tip their waste on this heap, rather than to comply with Provision 17 of their Tenancy Agreement.

It’s as well to make clear, that PPAA Committee would be acting completely beyond their powers if they purported or implied that they were able to waive any term in tenants’ Agreements. It’s perhaps the case then, with hindsight, that this experiment implied just that.

So to be absolutely clear once again, there are no collective composting areas anywhere on the PPA site, and people who tip their waste anywhere other than on their own plots or remove it from site are simply fly-tipping. This needn’t cause a serious difficulty for anyone however. During the growing season, Cardiff Council collect garden waste from domestic properties and they will, within reason, empty any number of the large white woven bags. PPAA Committee know of at least one plot holder who does not have a car, and who uses a cycle trailer to take their waste vegetation home for disposal in this manner.

What is proposed to be done?

PPAA Committee have decided to pay private contractors to remove the waste. It appears that two may be required – one to deal with the unrotted, “green” waste, and another to remove that which resembles soil. The cost will likely be well into four figures, so it will use a large slice of PPAA’s Annual Grant.

It is proposed to display notices on both gates, as well as by the site of the former heap itself, reminding all plot holders that there are no collective compost facilities, and that all such fly-tipping must cease promptly. The freed space will either be offered to the tenants of adjoining plots 48a and 48b, or form a reinstated plot 50 – in part or whole. So the land should become privately occupied in short order. All plot holders are expected therefore, to show it the due respect that they would for any other such occupied plot.

Present:  Richard Masterman (Chair), Sue Jones, Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Martin Pasek, Robert Loxton, Lewis Evans, Gordon Goldsmith

Apologies: Dan Hostler

Previous Minutes:

Meeting date 31st July 2023: Previously approved. 

Actions from previous meeting

Items to be addressed as the agenda.

Chair Report

• The 4-wheel trolley has been recovered but now needs a little attention resulting from being dumped into the Taff. Thanks to Cardiff Rivers volunteers who helped and provided a trailer to return it to site.
• The poly tunnel has been repaired. Thanks to John Morgan who assisted.

Site Representative 

• Council. 

Meeting of Site Representatives held 16^th August 2023. Salient points of discussion as follows:

1. A specific query regarding antisocial behaviour or unwanted attention between plot holders was raised with the Allotment Officer and the Parks Community Safety Officer who stated that individual concerns should be addressed by the plot holder directly with the police for particularly serious matters or otherwise with the Council. Committees have no power or responsibility to intervene.
2. Termination Notices issued by the Council will be copied to the associated committee.
3. The updated Allotment Strategy might be issued this month.
4. The Allotment Office has now got access to more detailed water bills for each site enabling better identification of leaks or excessive use.

• PPA

As agenda 

Treasurer’s report

As agenda items

Site Security

Quotations will shortly be received for options to install camera monitoring of main access gates also to install a physical security deterrent to the top of each gate to make climbing more difficult.

Discussion took place regarding other potential vulnerable points in the perimeter fencing.

Sadly, the gates are still being left unlocked overnight which makes crime prevention difficult.

Plot Inspections

Rob and Richard will carry out final inspections of plots recently issued with a Notice of Non-cultivation (11 issued) on Thursday 7^th Sept. If still no progress, then the plot will be referred to The Allotment Office for action.

The whole procedure will be reviewed for introduction in 2024 season.

Plot Vacancies, letting and structure applications.

Sue reported the following movement since the last meeting:

5 new tenants

2 tenants requesting to relocate.

1 prospective tenant has declined to continue and 1 considering waiting a while longer.

2 vacant plots waiting viewings. 

Waste disposal

Wendy advised that the contractor to remove the large waste heap hopes to start 14^th Sept but he would not be be able to remove green waste.

Richard advised that he would be meeting a contractor this week regarding the removal of a pile of shed debris.

Manure

No further update regarding a delivery.

Poly tunnel allocations 2024

6 grow beds will become available in the New Year and the process of application and draw will begin shortly.

Shop

Richard is pursuing a Group Account with Thomson and Morgan which offers discounts up to 50% catalogue prices. If still available, autumn planting onion sets and garlic will be procured. Spring seed potatoes will be reserved.

Hedgehog boxes

Wendy has procured 4 units which will be positioned on site.

Tool replacement

Martin has identified suitable replacements.

Any Other Business

Nothing further to report

Date of next meeting

19:00 Tuesday 17^th October 2023 at Butcher’s Arms Canton.

It’s that time of year again. The charity Orchard Cardiff will gladly collect apples, pears etc. from anyone who has a crop bigger than their own needs.

Contact Terry Howe – apples@orchardcardiff.co.uk – to arrange to meet him at PPA site gate. (These details have now been added to the Useful Links on this website’s sidebar for future reference.)

Alternatively, just leave it in the Bring And Take point, the cubicle by the Western Avenue notice board.

Remember that there are a growing number of people, who simply can’t often afford fresh fruit.

Don’t let delicious fruit go to waste!

Present:  Richard Masterman (Chair), Sue Jones, Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Martin Pasek, Robert Loxton

Apologies: Dan Hostler, Gordon Goldsmith, Lewis Evans

Previous Minutes:

Meeting date 4^th July 2023: Approved. 

Matters arising from previous meeting:

• It was noted that the main hedge had been trimmed lightly and the surplus stone from the wall repair had been collected and retain for potential future repairs.

Other items arising to be addressed as the agenda.

Chair Report

Covered by agenda items.

Site Representative 

• Council

Council contractors have completed a repair to the underground water pipe which had suffered substantial damage from stones resulting from poor original installation. The making good of the road is not good but it is unlikely that it will be improved.

• PPA

As agenda 

Treasurer’s report

As agenda items

Plot Inspections

Rob and Richard have undertaken inspections of poorly managed plots.

35 Notices of Concern have been issued. There are 9 plots where there has been no response or improvement and these have now been issued with Notices of Termination. This gives the plot holder a further 28 days to carry out work otherwise the Council may terminate the tenancy agreement. 

Further inspections will carry on for the remaining notified plots where positive intentions to improve have been expressed.

Plot Vacancy/Letting and Structure Application

Sue advised that, since the last meeting, 6 plots have been let to potential new plot holders, there are currently 3 vacant plots awaiting viewings and there has been 1 application to construct a poly tunnel.

Site Security

Sadly, there has been another unauthorised site entry and theft. Private sheds have been accessed and the door of shop container has been forced open together with damage to window boarding and steel wire guards. Items have been stolen from within the container and the 4-wheel trolley is also missing.

The poly tunnel which was recently re-clad was maliciously damaged during the incident.

Richard is pursuing a quote for cctv which would have to be solar powered. 

Martin is investigating tool replacement.

Richard and another plot holder will obtain repair tape and work on the poly tunnel.

Post meeting note: Rob and Martin have carried out a repair to the wooden door.

Access to the site remains a serious concern and the main access gates have repeatedly been found open early in the morning. This is possibly careless locking by a plot holder the evening before, or the intruders have access to a key.

With apologies to the diligent, all plot holders must ensure they securely close the gates with every access and egress.

Skips and Waste Disposal

Wendy has received a quote to remove the large pile of accumulated green waste. This pile covers what were originally viable plots 48/50 and it is intended to return the area to working status allowing more people to benefit from an allotment.

The quote is based on a set number of off-site disposal trips and the Committee approved the expenditure subject to setting a maximum spend.

Richard will separately contact a waste disposal contractor regarding the removal of various piles of shed debris.

Manure delivery

There is no update regarding delivery although the stables pit will shortly be full hopefully prompting a delivery.

Shop stock

It was noted that the stock of 2.4m canes is now exhausted.

Any Other Business

The Committee approved Wendy’s proposal to obtain and position some more hedgehog boxes. 

Date of next meeting

Committee: 19:00 Tuesday 5th September 2023 at Butcher’s Arms Canton.