Articles

It was resolved at the last Committee meeting, that the planting of low-maintenance, visually-pleasing subjects at various locations on the PPA site would bring benefits to pollinators and to other wildlife. Suitable specimens would ideally have long flowering seasons, bear fruit, be shade-tolerant, and be slow-growing or only reach a modest final height.

PPAA will carry out a costing for sourcing suitable subjects, but are there plot holders whose gardens are becoming overcrowded by maturing shrubs, and who would be willing to donate some of them for this purpose, rather than to throw them away when it comes to rationalising their plantings?

It must be emphasised, that owing to the very limited volunteer effort available for maintenance, such plantings can’t be of fast-growing subjects, which attain a large final height such as blackthorn, and so on. Items with viciously-injurious thorns are also unsuitable for obvious reasons. The plantings also need to be capable of being classed as shrubs rather than trees in any case, since neither tenants nor the Association are permitted to plant the latter without Council consent.

No doubt this – what can only be described as pleasant – conversation will continue, and PPAA – here’s their contact page – would gratefully welcome any offers for help, donations of suitable small trees and shrubs, or whatever!

Present:  Richard Masterman (Chair), Sue Jones, Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Martin Pasek, Mike Powell, Gordon Goldsmith, Rhys Williams

Apologies:   Lewis Evans

Previous Minutes:

Meeting date 6^th February 2024: Previously approved. 

Actions from previous meeting

Items to be addressed as the agenda.

Chair Report 

Items to be addressed as the agenda.

Site Representative 

• Council.

PPAA unable to attend meeting 14^th February 2024. Council minutes awaited.

• PPAA

As agenda

Treasurer’s report

• Wendy reported that the bank balance is positive.

Site Security

• Extra security measures have been implemented at the south gate.
• A proposal to modify the key access for the egress side of the north gate (Western Ave) to improve usability will be investigated.
• Wildlife cameras will be located adjacent to both gates.
• Sadly, there has been a report of malicious damage to a plot. The incident has been reported by the victim to South Wales Police, who are carrying out investigations.
• The site gates have been left open again. Please close and lock every time they are accessed.

Plot Inspections

• Plot inspections will commence in May. The wording of the notification email will be reconsidered.

Plot Vacancies, letting and structure applications.

• Sue reported that 5 plots have been let. There are currently no vacant plots. 1 application for a structure has been processed.

Shop

• Seed potatoes and garlic have been received and are being distributed. Onion sets are awaited from the supplier and will be distributed when available.
• An updated stock availability will be issued shortly.

Plant Sale

• A plot holder has volunteered to donate seeds for a plant sale and is seeking assistance from other plot holders with propagating. Anyone interested in helping with this very popular event is asked to email the committee in the first instance. 

Perimeter hedgerows

• In order to enhance wildlife/pollinator habitats and to reinforce site security it was agreed to investigate the planting of particular species of small tree/shrub to infill any gaps. A site notice will be issued in due course requesting volunteers to assist with planting.

Any Other Business

• The Community Gardens and Cardiff Salad Garden have arranged a meeting for next week with Cardiff Council’s Allotment Officer to discuss their proposal to collaborate.
• The 2024 AGM is provisionally scheduled for 12^th May 2024.

Date of next meeting

19:00 Tuesday 2^nd April 2024 at Butcher’s Arms Canton.

PPAA are very pleased to see that the long-awaited anti-climb measures to the SE gate should be completed today. Thanks go to D&S Fabrications, who will probably also be consulted about modifications to the other gate to make key access more convenient.

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement

PPAA volunteers are finally nearing completion of the removal or control of the myriad sycamore saplings and suchlike growing around the site, which constantly threatened to create serious shading problems owing to their extremely rapid growth and dense shade, as well as imposing a very heavy maintenance burden with the need for constant lopping and pruning.

The opportunity now exists to replace some of these – in suitable locations such as car park verges and banks – with low maintenance and far friendlier subjects, e.g. elder, and other small flowering, fruiting trees and shrubs. Unlike sycamore, these would provide food for wildlife as well as nesting places. However, we must be mindful of Provision Seven of our Tenancy Agreements, along with the Local Management Agreement, which make clear that no broadleaf, conifer, or willow trees must be planted on site, either on plots, or anywhere else.

As a happy coincidence, PPAA have also received a request from its organisers to publicise the following gathering (not to be confused with RCG’s Open Day, which is on Saturday, March 2nd):

Create a buzz on your allotment

Join us for a fabulous wildlife friendly workshop to get your plot teeming with life 

Meet at the Community Garden on Pontcanna Permanent Alllotments, Saturday, March 9, 10am 

Nature is struggling, and the pollinators we depend on to keep our allotments thriving, are in freefall. 

Fortunately, we can all make a difference by growing a few wildlife-friendly plants among our veggies – creating buzz and birdsong as we do so 

Join Emma Morgan, biodiversity officer at Cardiff Council, for some fantastic tips on how you can garden for nature – giving bumblebees, butterflies, songbirds and hedgehogs a much-needed helping hand as you garden

PPA Website Team

As the above image shows, such items and materials are not permitted on Cardiff allotments.

PPAA are very pleased to see that nearly all plot holders have removed, or are in the process of removing, such things from their plots, although a few still remain.

We look forward to seeing the last of these being removed from site completely.

PPA Website Team

Present: Wendy Gunter (Acting Chair), Sue Jones, Mike Powell, Gordon Goldsmith, Martin Pasek

Apologies: Lewis Evans, Richard Masterman (Chair) (Meeting chaired by Wendy Gunter, Acting Chair)

Previous Minutes, matters arising:

There are still anomalies with bills. It appears that some recent tenants have neither been added to the list nor billed. Sue emphasised that she delivered all the relevant paperwork in person to the Allotments Officer. PPAA still pursuing with the Council.

Chairman’s Report by email:

1. Site security

• Wildlife cameras: the test camera has been removed from its temporary location to be repositioned, and a second camera will be purchased for the main entrance.
• Based on Allotment Officer’s email of 17^th Nov 2023, Richard has instructed D&S Fabrications to get going with the anti-climb gate alterations.

2. Shop

• Potatoes, onions and garlic have been ordered. Expected on site 26/27 Feb.

Site Secretary’s report (shared role):

Sue has let six plots and there are seven more to be let. The waiting list has been updated and stands at very roughly a hundred. There has been one application for a structure.

Poly tunnel bed allocations:

The applicants number more than double the number of beds. The draw for the six beds will take place soon and the recording will be available for viewing. The lucky six will be notified, and on receipt of the £5 maintenance contribution from each, their bed will be allocated to them.

Riverside Community Garden:

PPAA understand that talks between RCG, the Council, and Cardiff Salad Garden are ongoing in relation to their proposed collaboration, but nothing new has been heard since the last PPAA meeting.

AGM:

It was resolved that the 2024 PPAA AGM should provisionally be held on Sunday 12th May.

Plot Inspections:

Inspections for neglected, overgrown, and other problematic plots will resume in May.

AOB:

There was no further business and the meeting ended at 1958.

The next PPAA Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 5th March 2024 at 1900, at the Butcher’s Arms, Canton.

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

Apologies:  Rob Loxton

Previous Minutes:

Meeting date 5^th December 2023: Previously approved. 

Actions from previous meeting

Items to be addressed as the agenda.

Chair Report 

Items to be addressed as the agenda.

Site Representative 

• Council.

1. Some confusion had arisen over duplicate tenancy bills issued by the Council who had subsequently apologised for the error. Only one should have been issued.

However, plot holders are reminded that if they have not received a bill from the Council for the 2024, then they should notify the Council to avoid possible complications regarding non-payment of rent. This situation might arise with a change of address, for instance. Sue stated that she was aware of six plot holders who haven’t yet received their invoice.

2. Disappointingly, despite email and voicemail messages to the Allotment Officer no replies have been forthcoming regarding several important issues.

• PPAA

As agenda

Treasurer’s report

• Wendy reported that the £5.00 PPAA annual subscription had been received from some plot holders and requested all bank transfers be labelled with the plot holder’s name, plot number and “subs.” A reminder notice has been published on the website.

Site Security

• Richard has forwarded to the Allotment Officer contractor Risk Assessment and site services drawings regarding extra security measures for the south gate (polytunnel). No response has been received and it was noted that a previous email had given approval so work will now be implemented.
• The contractor will be asked for a proposal to modify the key access for the egress side of the   north gate (Western Ave) to improve usability and to supply a new handle for the 4-wheel trolley. Richard to discuss with the contractor.
• A wildlife camera has been trialled near the polytunnel and various images were viewed including a persistent fox and multiple squirrel/wood pigeon. Day and night picture quality was considered acceptable and it was agreed to continue with a few adjustments, principally to focus the camera on the south gate and to find a more secure location.
• A second camera will be procured for the north gate.

Plot Inspections

• No response has been received from the Council regarding the plot termination referrals. Richard to enquire if the Council have taken any action.

Plot Vacancies, letting and structure applications.

• Sue reported that there are currently four vacant plots but the waiting list from the Council is out of date. 

Poly tunnel allocations 2024

• 6 grow beds will become available in February 2024. Plot holders who are interested in entering the draw for a bed must apply via the allotment Gmail by the end of January. Outgoing occupants need to be clear by the end of January.
• Those interested should contact PPAA Committee
• The woodwork for the 6 original beds is in poor state. Sue to investigate rebuilding. 
• Dan Phillips has agreed to continue to coordinate the polytunnel group.

Shop

• Seed potatoes have been ordered. A notice will be posted on the site notice boards and website giving details and inviting expressions of interest from plot holders.

Any Other Business

• It was noted that the Community Gardens run by Grow Cardiff are investigating a partnership with Cardiff Salad Garden to assist with scheme management. Both parties are developing a joint plan in conjunction with the Council which will be shared with the Committee in due course.  The Committee have requested procedural guidance from the Council.
• The 2024 AGM will be scheduled for April/May dependant on formalisation of PPAA accounts.
• Richard to contact Dan Phillips to ask if he is interested in coordinating a plant sale as he did for 2023.

Date of next meeting

19:00 Tuesday 6^th February 2024 at Butcher’s Arms Canton.

Present: 

Sue Jones (acting Chair), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Gordon Goldsmith, Martin Pasek.  

Apologies: 

Richard Masterman (Chair), Mike Powell, Rob Loxton, Lewis Evans.

Actions from previous minutes:

All covered under relevant agenda items.

Chair Report by email from Richard Masterman:

1. Actions from meeting 7^th Nov covered by agenda items
2. Council meeting of Site Reps 15^th Nov

• Richard’s earlier email of 18^th Nov reported [the Council proposed raising the age at which the 50% discount in plot rental would apply from sixty to sixty-five. However, on consultation with sites, and in their email of 5th December we are informed that they have now decided against doing this. The possibility of charging sites for water was also raised in that email, but that could not – it appears – apply for PPA until the present LMA expired in 2026 at the earliest]

3. Site security

• Richard has procured a wildlife camera and is currently trialling it in his front garden.

Initial comment is that it is not commercial CCTV standard, but might provide some reassurance to concerned plot holders.

• Celia has approved the work to improve gate security but requires contractor Risk Assessments and site services details. Risk Assessments awaited from the contractor and will be forwarded to Celia together with previously used site services plans highlighted to show the work area. There is a Dwr Cymru underground main the vicinity but no ground excavations are anticipated.

4. Plot inspections

• Nothing further from the Council [Sue will now email John Maidment, Head Of Parks – AP Sue]

5. An order has been placed for seed potatoes to be delivered spring 2024. A web notice will be issued shortly requesting advance orders.

Site Rep’s Report – shared role:

There has been a recent CAHA (Cardiff Allotment Holders Association) meeting, but no one from PPAA was able to attend and no minutes have as yet been received.

Treasurer’s Report:

Wendy reported that the £5,000 invoice for the removal of the large fly-tipping heap had been settled.

The Committee thanked Wendy for organising this work.

Any Other Business:

1. Plot vacancies, lettings: three plots have become vacant, viewings for new tenants TBA. AP Sue.

2. Hedgehog boxes: six have now been positioned about the site with the kind help of a plot holder.

3. 2024 Poly tunnel bed allocations: Dan Phillips has agreed to continue as poly tunnel co-ordinator with the Committee overseeing the Draw. Publicity wording etc. have been received from Dan and PPAA will pass this on.

4. Water trough clean-out: four of the eleven have been done and thanks go to the respective three plot holders for this work.

5. Overflowing culvert: in spite of the heavy recent rains Road Three still remains clear of mud.

6. Riverside Community Gardens: PPAA are awaiting further information from the Council about the proposed co-operation between RCG and Cardiff Salad Garden. (PPAA are required to exercise Due Diligence in ensuring parity of compliance with the Terms Of Tenancy between RCG and all other tenants on the site.)

7. Improving usability of the north gate: many plot holders complain of difficulty in inserting their keys from the inside. A modification to ease this problem was discussed. 

There was no further business and the meeting ended at 2018.

Date Of Next Meeting:

9th January 2024 at the Butcher’s Arms, Canton, at 1900.

Plot holders might be forgiven for thinking that PPAA Committee had given up on this programme of works, but that’s not the case. Affordability always meant that it would have to be done in stages, as funds became available, and covid 19 regulations imposed a long pause too.

There were also other problems, e.g. the contractors’ requiring the cubicles to be cleared of all materials in and around them, but this simply being replaced by fly-tippers the moment that volunteers had done it.

Whatever, as part of the improvements to Road Three, PPAA enlisted the help of the Indefatigable Mike, who has cleared the really quite shocking amount of soil stemming from weed clumps, tipped around the cubicles and the old club house there. Volunteers had earlier removed a large amount of junk, and the way is now clear for workers to access the structures for renovation. A PPAA Committee member also suggested that the old club house could be roofed as a wet weather shelter, but this has not been discussed further.

So let’s all respect the good and hard work done so far, and look forward, in due course, to these buildings coming back into beneficial service for all on PPA site.

PPA Website Team

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.