ALLOTMENTS
what is an allotment, how to apply, how to apply for a bigger plot, reporting problems and bird flu restrictions

As winners of the coveted GREEN FLAG AWARD for our eleventh consecutive year, we fly our flag with great pride.
Green Flay Awards say "The Green Flag Award® scheme recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world."  

for more information of the green flag award

​​allotments

At Roeshot Hill Allotments we have over 260 plots,.
A full plot is 10 rods (250 sq m) and a half plot is 5 rods (approx. 125 sq m)
The site is own by Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council (the landlords). All plot holders pay a licence fee of £9.10 per rod to the Parish Council as the rent for the plot. For this the Parish Council provide: 

• insurance for the communal areas,  
• grants for work on the communal areas, 
• a toilet facility with disabled access,  
• a water supply during the main growing season.

The only other cost to plot holdings is an annual subscription, paid to Roeshot Hill Allotment Association, of £6. This subscription covers:

• the plot holders' essential public liability insurance (a condition of the tenancy)
• access to the trading hut
• plants for sale
• discounts at local stores and nurseries.

also offered:

• help and advice available through the committee
• A ready supply of woodchips, stable litter and brewer's waste to enrich your plot
• Community gatherings such as the Cabin, where tea, coffee and cake is offered every Sunday morning through the summer. Plus the annual shows and barbecues.
• Security cameras (and lighting soon) to protect plots.
• Pest control
• Use of RHAA wheelbarrows but please remember to bring them back :-)​

contact the committee

applying for an allotment

You will be eligible for an allotment if you are a resident of, and your household pays council tax, within the Christchurch Town Council, Parishes of Highcliffe/Walkford, Burton or Hurn, (these are the areas formerly held by the Christchurch Borough Council).
We have a short waiting list and you would be welcome to join it. Simply come up to the allotments on a Sunday morning between 10 and 12 to fill in the form at the Trading Hut, (the three storage containers visible from the gate).
The list is in order of application and strictly adhered to. When your name is top of the list, you will be contacted when an allotment become available. Please note: you will only be offered a 5 rod plot initially.


applying for more space
Existing tenants can request a bigger plot, or a second plot by re-registering on the waiting list, (even if you want the one next to your existing plot), ready for when one become available.

for more details

highcliffe and walkford parish council

should you need to contact the parish council:

you can email:  https://highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk/#

to go to their website:  www.highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk

or by post:
Nicky France (Assistant Clerk)
Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council
Old School House
254 Lymington Road
Highcliffe
Dorset, BH23 5ET


The National Allotment Society
the RHAA is affiliated to the National Allotment Society (NAS) 
they can be contacted through their website:
https://www.nsalg.org.uk/

go to NAS website

 REPORT A PROBLEM

Damage or Theft - As the allotments are left largely unattended, occasionally we suffer problems with thefts and vandalism.  Please be assured that RHAA has security cameras on the site at key points which are regularly checked with all useful information passed to the police. There is also an on going program of hedge and fence maintenance to reduce access to the allotments. The last person out in the evening should padlock the front gates securely.
Should you notice any wilful damage or theft , please report this to the police immediately, and get a crime reference number. 
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES  APPROACH anyone you suspect of the crime yourself, no matter how confident or annoyed you may be - leave it to the police.
Then if you would also let us know and we can respond to issues affecting members on the site.  We depend on you to keep us informed.

Storm Damage - In high winds, lightweight greenhouses, fences and sheds may move.  If your neighbours lands on your plot or any other natural damage is occuring, please let us know and we can contact them urgently.  

Maintenance Issues - if you see anything that needs doing, please let us know.

Trespass on your allotment - Please do not approach any trespasser on your plot for fear that bad feelings could result in reprisals or affray.  There may well be a simple reason for someone to be on your plot without your permission, such as retrieving something that has gone over the fence by accident, but it you are not sure leave it up to the committee to deal with.  Contact us below and we will sort the issue for you.  

Complaints - the Committee are currently working on a new complaints procedure which will appear here shortly.

report a problem

Bird Flu Update
There are now no restrictions of the keeping of hens with regards to Bird Flu - BUT PLEASE BE AWARE THAT FOXES HAVE WIPED OUT WHOLE CHICKEN HOUSES RECENTLY, YOU MIGHT LIKE TO REVIEW YOUR SECURITY.

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Honeybees
Bee hives are now permitted on the allotments but only on plots that have a boundary with the fields (not the boundary with the A35) 
Tenants wishing to keep honeybees need to contact the Secretary to obtain full details. There are many hoops to jump through but the parish council agrees that honeybees play a critical role in the biodiversity of allotment sites and the wider environment.

contact the secretary