[Jeanieblue]

I know you've been told that all the plots have been taken, but are they all being cultivated?  I only ask this because our council told us there was a long waiting list. We live very near to the site and know that several plots haven't been touched for a couple of years or more. The council are supposed to inspect but don't.

I suggest you ring the council regularly to remind them you're REALLY interested.  Tell them you'll take ANYTHING! Ask them how often the list is updated! You might be nearer the top than you think, if people have moved or have changed their mind but forgotten to let the council know.
 Perhaps there are people on the list who are turning down neglected plots in the hopes of getting something already under cultivation.  

We got a plot after a year. It was awful - clearly no-one on the list in front of us wanted to take on the challenge. Six months later, we're almost halfway into knocking it into shape - all the cleared ground is dug and planted - and the soil is great.  

Also have a word with your local councillor to see if they have any influence. We did and I'm sure it helped.  Be cheerful and friendly when you ring, ask them how they're doing! They'll remember you better the next time!

Good luck.

[muntjac]

also if there is a long waiting list for land then they are obligated to provide it  

[Jeanieblue]

Muntjac, what're you doing up in Scotland. Perhaps I got my wires crossed or something but I thought you were over in Norfolk - where all that lovely sparrowgrass grows !!!!!

[allotmentvegigirl]

I have just joined this great site!! and I noticed that your also in my neck of the woods.  I have just been given a half plot and have been waiting less than a year.  I was offered 3 plots after only 3months but held out for something closer to home.  If you don't mind me asking what site is your name down for?

[mashbintater]

Hi guys, the site I want a plot on is near to where I work so it'd be ideal for me. If & when a plot comes available I am on the list where there are only 14 waiting, she said she'd email me. U can have anything on that site apart from glass. Meanwhile I'm just halfway (about 12' x 4' or something like that) digging accross my garden & removing weeds. My back began to remind me to go easy, not to mention the few flakes of snow that drifted past me.
I've covered my mini greenhouse and bubble wrapped my tender stuff. I'll crack on again tomorrow.

[hickorychickory]

Hi allotmentvegigirl

Nice to see someone else from Bristol on here

My name is down for the Sea Mills Signal Station.  Its a very popular site.
If you dont mind me asking which part of Bristol are you from?

Ally

[KingEdward]

correction shaun,there is also "old skem".it was older once but it just grew bigger lol (from the border of upholland mashbintater)

[shaun]

never seen old skem king ed to me its just a load of roundabouts, you can see where you need to go but you just cant get there  

[mashbintater]

That's right king ed, there are various bits of Old Skelm dotted about. there used to be a railway somewhere near the Railway Tavern (hence the name) which is also known as The Roundabout Pub, cos it's next to a ----R'bout. The majority of Old Skelm used to be farmland, and old farmhouses dating back to 1700's are till about as registered buildings. Over the years, New Skelm was developed around 25- 30yr ago which filled in the gaps between Upholland and Ormskirk, known as Skelm development. Much of the greenbelt has been built on & new housing estates are popping up all over the place. There are no traffic lights in Skelm only r'bouts. There are 2 sites actually in Skelm, both have waiting lists.

[allotmentvegigirl]

Hello  hickorychickory
My plot is in Henbury.  I am very very lucky that my patch is in pit top order!  
Like I said I was only the waiting list for less than 1 year.  I was offered a pick of plots at Purdown(Lockleaze) and Ashley Down(Muller Road) both were very over grown.  I wanted something a little closer to home to waited!! So glas I did!! Just 2mins from my house!!
Do you know where the best place to buy tools(cheap & local)?? Never having purchased 'garden stuff' before at a bit of a loss and don't want to get ripped off.

[hickorychickory]

Hello allotmentvegigirl
Im only 5 minutes away from you.  Will have to come and visit, if thats ok with you.?   The others really are far away, alot of travelling for a plot.
When it comes to buying tools none are really cheap, but I find it is best to spend a little more on garden tools like fork, spade, and so on.  For other gardening equipment I find going to the pound shops good.  They have a good range of seeds and you can get 3 or 4 packets for a pound.  I also got my canes from there for my tomatoe plants (not that they are out yet, but ready for when they do).  Keep in touch     Ally