Category Archives: Uncategorised

Recipe Index

This page is intended to share receipes that make use of allotment produce – particularly  those  that tend to give an over abundence. Do send us your own favourites and we’ll include them here.

Click on the recipes below to get the full details!

Veg & Stout Stew with dumplings via QR code

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 1 hr 15 mins Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large onions
  • 150g chestnut mushrooms, halved
  • 1 heaped tbsp plain flour
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • Swede (about 400g) peeled and cut into large chunks
  • Celeriac (about 500g) peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 150g pearl barley
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tbsps dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps tomato puree
  • salt and black pepper
  • 750 ml vegan stock
  • 500 ml vegan stout (beer)
  • 100g spinach

For the dumplings:

  • 150g plain flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 75g vegetable suet
  • tbsp chopped thyme leaves

Method:

  1. Heat the oil in a large casserole or lidded pan, add the onions and cook, stirring, on a medium heat for 8 mins until soft and translucent
  2. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 mins until lightly browned
  3. Stir in the tblsp flour, cook for a minute or so
  4. Add all the root veg, pearl barley, thyme, soy, tomato puree, salt & pepper to taste.
  5. Pour in the stock and stout, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 30 mins
  6. Remove the lid and stir gently, cook for 10 mins more until sauce is thickened.
  7. Meanwhile mix all the dumpling ingredients with a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix in 100ml water
  8. Roll the dough into 8 balls
  9. Stir the spinach into the stew and nestle the dumplings on the surface, leaving a little space in between them
  10. Replace the lid and cook for 20 mins, or until the dumplings are puffed up and firm.

Enjoy!

To download the recipe click here: Download

Recipe & photograph courtesy of Mandy Rathbone

Photo index

FEBRUARY

  • Chit mid and late crop seed potatoes in trays in a light, cool but frost-free location.
  • Cover seedbeds with cloches to warm the soil in preparation for early veg crops.
  • Apply lime where brassicas are to be grown at a rate of 270g(8oz) per sq. mtr (yard).
  • To reduce the possibility of Club-root infection. Calcified seaweed is a natural alternative that can be forked in a week before planting at a rate of 140g(4oz) per sq. mtr (yard).
  • If the weather is suitable, sow outdoors:- Broad beans, Peas, Spring garlic, Spinach.
  • Plant Jerusalem artichokes.
  • In a greenhouse or cold frame, sow:- Cabbages, Early leeks, Early lettuce, Radishes.
  • In a heated propagator or on a sunny window sill, sow:- Celeriac, Mustard and cress, Sweet peppers and chillies, Aubergines, Tomatoes (at the end of the month).
  • Continue harvesting any crops.
  • Plant out summer brassicas and spinach in late Feb.
  • Prune Autumn raspberries, cutting all canes down to the ground.
  • Top-dress all fruit trees and bushes with sulphate of potash and mulch with well-rotted manure or compost keeping it away from the trunk/stems.
  • Avoid turning the compost heap until mid-spring as it could contain hibernating small mammals, frogs and insects.

BADAS SHED INSTALLATION

Our new shed was installed at the BADAS Hub site at Skilling North on Wednesday 18th August 2021 by Beaminster Sheds. It only took a couple of hours from start to finish.

The shed is raised by 15″ to comply with Environment Agency advice to allow passage of flood water should the Symene river over-top (the same reason for the open nature of the lowest part of the wire fence at Skilling North)

We will be adding some steps to allow access which is present pretty difficult!

NEW HOME HUB FOR BADAS!

Photo by Mandy Rathbone

Daryl Chambers of Bridport Town Council has kindly offered us a small patch in the Skilling North allotment site to use as an allotment community hub area.
We have ordered a shed to go there so that we can put on events for members like seed and plant swaps and other social activities.
Unfortunately the waiting time for getting sheds installed is about three months so, in the mean time , once the site is cleared we hope to be able to get the swap events on the go and plan to have our Summer Social event there on Thursday 15th July.
We are excited to have this project started and if members have any ideas for what they would like to see us organising at the site, please get in touch with us via our BADAS email address. [From Fiona Dare (chair)]

BADAS HUB at Skilling North

SEPTEMBER

  • Harvest main crop potatoes, dry them off before storing and check each tuber for damage and disease. Store only healthy, undamaged potatoes in jute, hessian or paper bags in a cool, dark, frost-free place.
  • Store onions in nets or on slatted trays in a well ventilated place.
  • Keep harvesting!!
  • Leave autumn squashes to ripen on the plant for as long as possible. Place a tile or wooden board under the fruit to keep it clean. They are ready to harvest when richly coloured and sound hollow when tapped.
  • Plant out spring cabbage and over-wintering onion sets.
  • Spinach can be sown until the middle of the month as can parsley, rocket and coriander.
  • Sow green manure crops on any empty beds.
  • Sow kale for spring harvest and sow broad beans late in the month.
  • Protect leafy veg crops with bird netting.
  • Cut herbs for drying.
  • Pot up strawberry runners to make new plants or plant out new strawberries.
  • Prune out the fruited canes of summer raspberries, blackberries, loganberries and Tay berries leaving the new green canes as these will bear next years fruit.
  • Prune blackcurrants, removing damaged, crossing and some old branches down to near ground level.
  • Summer prune trained fruit trees (fans, espaliers and cordons).
  • Apply grease bands to fruit trees at the end of the month to deter winter moth infestation.

OCTOBER

  • Continue to harvest.
  • Protect carrots with insect mesh as carrot flies cause most damage in late summer and autumn.
  • Pick squashes and “cure” in a warm dry place for 10-14 days then, store in a cool, light place until required.
  • Plant overwintering garlic and onion sets -onions just peeping above the surface and garlic, 11/2–2 inches deep spaced 7 inches apart.
  • Plant overwintering peas and broad beans .
  • Plant out spring cabbage.
  • Keep weeding.
  • Begin to add well-rotted manure to empty beds where you intend to plant brassicas next year (but not where you intend to plant carrots and parsnips next season as it may cause them to fork).
  • Continue to harvest apples and pears as they ripen. Store, only perfect fruit, in a cool, well ventilated pace.
  • Lift and divide rhubarb that has been in place for 5 years or more. Discard the centre and replant the outer crown sections.
  • Take hardwood cuttings from gooseberries and currants. Below is a link to show you how to do it for blackcurrants-the technique for gooseberries is much the same.
    https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-take-hardwood-cuttings-of-blackcurrant-plants/
  • Clear away strawberry foliage to prevent the build up of pests and diseases.
  • Compost pea and bean foliage but leave the roots in the ground as they contain nitrogen.
  • Sow green manures.

BRIDPORT TOWN COUNCIL GENERAL CONDITIONS OF LETTING

  1. Conditions of Head Lease. The Tenant shall observe and carry out all conditions and covenants contained in the Lease (if any) under which the Council holds the allotment lands. The Tenant shall not, without the written consent of the Council, take, sell or carry away any mineral, gravel, sand or clay, or plant any tree except fruit trees and fruit bushes.
  2. Use of allotment. The Tenant shall use the allotment garden as an allotment garden and for no other purpose.
  3. Cultivation. The tenant shall keep their allotment free from weeds and well manured, and otherwise maintain it in a proper state of cultivation to the satisfaction of the Council and so leave it at the termination of their tenancy. The Council reserve the right to recharge the former Tenant the cost of cleaning and tidying up the allotment so that it is fit to let to the new Tenant.
  4. Hedges, Ditches, Fences and Paths. The Tenant shall keep every hedge forming part of the allotment properly cut and trimmed, keep all ditches properly cleansed and maintain and keep in repair any fences or gates on his allotment land. Plots must not be fenced off unless agreed by the Council. The use of barbed wire is forbidden. Paths or roads must not be obstructed. All paths must be maintained by adjacent plot holders and grass kept cut.
  5. Fruit Trees. Fruit trees or bushes must not be allowed to overhang and/or cause an obstruction to the roads or paths or an adjoining allotment.
  6. Buildings and Wells. The Tenant shall not place any buildings, sheds or other erections on the allotment without the written consent of the Council and then only in accordance with plans which have been approved by the Council. Wells or water holes must be protected to the satisfaction of the Council and it is the responsibility of the Tenant to ensure that they do not represent a danger or hazard to other allotment holders.
  7. Preservation. The Tenant shall observe and perform any other special condition(s), which the Council considers necessary to preserve the allotment from deterioration and of which notice is given.
  8. Sub-Letting. Tenants shall not sub-let their allotment or any part thereof to any other person.
  9. Encroachment, Trespass and Damage. No encroachment or trespass shall be made by the Tenant on any neighbouring allotment and no damage shall be done by the Tenant to the fences, gates or gateposts or to the cropping on any of the allotments. If in default, any damage is caused either by the Tenant or person accompanying them, such damage shall be assessed by the Council and the offender shall be liable to pay such a sum to the person suffering the damage or to the Council as may be determined.
  10. Nuisances. The Tenant shall not cause any nuisance or annoyance to the occupier of any other allotment or to the neighbourhood. No poultry, pigs, pigeons or other animals or birds shall be kept on the allotment without the Council’s written consent. Dogs are not permitted on the allotments unless on a leash.
  11. Right of Entry. The Council or its accredited representatives or workmen, acting on instructions, shall be entitled at any time to enter and inspect the allotment and to carry out any work or repairs required by the Council. The Council shall have the right to refuse admission to the allotment of any person other than the Tenant.
  12. Changes of Tenancy. The Council may agree to release the Tenant if he/she desires to give up his/her allotment at a shorter notice than is required under this Agreement providing there is another approved applicant available who is willing to take over the allotment.
  13. Tenants unable to work. The Council may arrange for the care of the allotment of any Tenant whom through ill-health or other cause, is unable to work it; alternatively, the Council may arrange to re-let the plot. In such a case, suitable adjustments will be made between the parties.
  14. Termination of Tenancy. The Tenancy may be terminated by either the Council or the Tenant giving to the other of them not less than six calendar month’s notice in writing expiring on or before the sixth day of April or, on or before the twenty ninth day of September in any year of the tenancy. The tenancy may also be terminated by the Council on re-entry after one month’s notice in writing.

(a) if the rent is in arrears for not less than forty days; or
(b) if the Tenant is not duly observing the rules affecting the allotment or any other term or condition of his tenancy, or if the tenant becomes bankrupt or compounds with his creditors.

PROVIDED NEVERTHELESS that if the Council requires the allotment for purposes for which it was acquired or held by them, then the tenancy may be terminated by the Council, giving not less than three calendar month’s notice to the Tenant.

In the event of a Tenant’s death, the tenancy of an allotment, unless otherwise agreed between the Council and the deceased’s representatives, shall terminate on the Quarter Day next after such death.

The tenancy shall also terminate if and whenever the chief tenancy or right of occupation of the Council to the allotment land ceases.

  1. Removal of Crops. No Tenant in arrears with his rent shall be allowed to remove from his allotment, any crops growing thereon, implements, stock or other property whatsoever until full payment has been made.
  2. Disputes. Any case of dispute between Tenants affecting the allotments shall be referred to the Council, whose decision shall be final.
  3. Service of Notices. Any notice may be served on a Tenant either personally or by leaving it at his/her last known place or abode, or by registered letter so addressed or by fixing the same in some conspicuous manner on the allotment land.
  4. Protection of the Environment.

(a) Tenants are encouraged to use organic based pesticides, fungicides, fertilisers and other such products wherever possible and practicable to do so.

(b) The Tenant shall undertake not to sow or plant any Genetically Modified seeds or use any Genetically Modified Products.

BTC Charges 31/03/20 – 31/03/21

Bridport Town Council Fees for Allotments 01/04/22 – 31/03/23

Whole £26.00
Half  £13.00
Water – whole £10.00
Water – half £5.00
Double fees apply to residents outside the parish. Half charges for partial year invoiced April to June. No charge July to September

A full list of Bridport Town Council charges may be found here

Bridport Town Council charges

01/04/19 – 31/03/20

These are the charges applicable from April 2018, as agreed by the Finance committee in January 2019: –

Whole plot: £25.00
Half plot: £12.50
Water Skilling whole: £10.00, half plot: £5.00

Double fees apply to residents outside the parish. Half charges for partial year invoiced April to June. No charge July to September

How to get started

HOW CAN I GET AN ALLOTMENT, AND WHAT WILL IT COST ME?

So far as tools are concerned, ordinary garden tools – spade, fork, hoe, rake, trowel etc. are all that are needed to make a start. Later on you may think in more ambitious terms – cultivator, strimmer, lawnmower (for your barbecue area and access path!), or perhaps find somebody to share the cost of these expensive items.
The important thing, however, is to make a start!

The Allotments Society has written a Leaflet entitled The New Allotment which may prove helpful to newcomers

There are two ways in which you can get an allotment in Bridport:

  1. Download the enquiry form: Allotments Information Request and send to Bridport Town Council (BTC), Council Offices Rax Lane. BRIDPORT Telephone: 456722.
    Current fees are given here and the BTC conditions are shown here.

Council allotments are currently located at Flaxhayes (36 allotments), Skilling (59 allotments), West Allington (44 allotments), Priory Gardens (13 allotments), Community Orchard (16 allotments), St Cecelia’s (16), Walditch (16) South Street (1 allotment) and St Swithun’s Road (2 allotments).

Due to the present wish to accommodate as many people as possible until more allotments can be opened, those belonging to Bridport Town Council are re-let to residents of the Bridport Parish only, and it may also be necessary to confine new tenancies to half size plots .

Existing tenants who live outside the town boundary pay twice the annual fee, but 50% is reclaimable from their own parish

  1. Contact Palmers Brewery, The Old Brewery, West Bay Road, Bridport, DT6 4JA Telephone 01308 422396.

Palmers manage a number of allotments at land they own at Gundry Lane Bridport

WHY TAKE AN ALLOTMENT?

An obvious answer is access to cheap, fresh produce of quality which you can grow organically if you wish, in season and throughout the year. An allotment, properly managed and maintained, will make a substantial contribution to the household economy and quality of life of even quite extended families

But many allotment holders find that there are other benefits to be enjoyed – healthy activity in the open air, the opportunity to experiment with crops and varieties that suit one’s individual taste together with a sense of achievement when things turn out well.

There is also a strong sense of community. Allotment holders represent a formidable body of hard-won knowledge and experience which is always available to you as a beginner and to which, as you gain in confidence and experience, you will be able to contribute in turn.
We also foster links with allotmenteers in neighbouring parishes, in the interests of all concerned. If you know of any groups of allotment holders who might benefit from association with us, do not hesitate to get in touch.

WHAT IS INVOLVED, AND HOW MUCH OF MY TIME WILL IT TAKE UP?

Once you have taken on your allotment you will be able to grow fruit and vegetables, flowering plants and herbs pretty much as you wish within the boundaries of your plot. You will however be required to fulfil certain obligations designed to protect the use and enjoyment of their allotments by your fellow growers. If you take a Council allotment you will be asked to enter into a formal agreement to keep your allotment clean, free from weeds, in a good state of cultivation and fertility, and in good condition.

Arrangements on the Palmers allotments are somewhat less formal, but the obligation to act as a good neighbour is one that should be recognised by all allotment holders The amount of time that you will need to commit will vary depending on what you want to get out of your allotment. During the preparation, growing and picking season, between, say, April and the end of October, you would probably need to budget 4 – 8 hours per week. You could spend longer, some manage on less.

THE HISTORY OF ALLOTMENTS IN BRIDPORT

In 1929/30 Bridport had 533 allotments covering nearly 34 acres. In 1961 it had 150 on just under 10 acres, in 1985 only 99 allotments on 6.5 acres, and that number was further reduced to 81 on just 5.4 acres by 2008. However the Bridport Town Council continues to make every effort to recover from this state of affairs and has opened further new allotments, giving a total of 203.

Palmers provide a further 19 plots, a diminishing number.

 

 

 

Allotment Etiquette

  • Do not wash tools, flowerpots etc in the water cistern. It makes the water muddy and unpleasant and can spread plant diseases.
  • Always keep any grass that you are responsible for cut and edged.
  • Secure all padlocks on allotment entrance gates to prevent them being lost or taken.

 

 

Back to home page

2014 December 11 Meeting

At the December meeting of the Allotments Society, members heard an informative and interesting talk by Derek Pride, Fellow of the National Vegetable Society, entitled “Growing, Showing and Judging”.