Spring News
We’d like to bring you up to date on news and issues on the site.
Nesting Season
Spring is here and the considerable bird populations of the allotments have started to build their nests. The bird nesting season goes from March to August and hedge trimming during this time is best avoided. In fact damaging or destroying birds' nests is illegal, see https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/gardening-for-wildlife/plants-for-wildlife/garden-hedges/hedge-law/ for more information.
We have had nesting Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Robins, Blue, Coal and Great Tits, and the wonderful Long Tailed Tits, not to mention Wood Pigeons and Magpies. Birds with declining populations like Dunnock and House Sparrows are found in very good numbers on the allotments. Lots of good advice on how to look after hedges and encourage birds at https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/conservation/conservation-and-sustainability/advice/conservation-land-management-advice/farm-hedges/the-value-of-hedgerows-for-wildlife As well as trees and hedges, birds may be nesting in piles of brash/hedge trimmings that have been cleared from plots and boundaries around the site.
Considering the Neighbours
There’s a lot of activity on the site now, which is great! We have had reports, though, of some things causing a nuisance: children being allowed to wander onto or through neighbouring plots; dogs not closely supervised by their owners and allowed to wander or bark continually; radios etc. played loudly enough to disturb neighbouring plotholders. Whenever you’re enjoying your garden, please help others to enjoy theirs too.
Asbestos
A few tenants have found asbestos on their plots while clearing areas ready for the growing season. A specialist company will be visiting the site (and others in the city) in early May to pick up asbestos. If you have found asbestos on your plot, please let us know, with details of what and where it is, and if possible with a photo of the material and location. If you can do this before we do our full inspection in the week beginning 5th April, that will help us to draw up a list and information for YACIO to pass on to the company.
All the best,
Claire and Graham
