Author: harbornehillallotments Page 1 of 2

Hello

A few important items to share with you this month:

Rubbish collection 11-19/9/25

• This has been organised to take place starting on Thursday September 11th until Friday September 19th, 10.00.
• Rubbish can be taken and placed in the coned areas in the car park behind the office.
• It is an opportunity to clear waste from the plot. We try to discourage green waste for which there are other means of disposal of eg composting, take to the recycling centres or burn in November. However, appreciating this is difficult for some who don’t have access to a vehicle and the fact that some green waste cant be composted, small amounts can be left.
• Keep all metal separate.
• Do not dispose of domestic waste.
• Please do not dump after Chris has cleared the waste on 19/9/25 after 10.00.

2025/26 rent collection

• This is due to take place between 1/10/25 and 9/11/25.
• Detailed rent charges for all sized plots can be viewed on either site notice boards or in the office. The poster has charges for 2025/26 and 2026/27. There will also be a rent list issued by BCC to all Associations for all plot holders.
• Payment can be via bank transfer (the Association’s preferred method), cash or card machine. The office will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11.00-12.00 for payments or questions.
• There is an additional £10 penalty for payment made after 9/11/25.
• Prompt payment is appreciated.

Site issues

• The Yateley Road gate continues to give us problems. Recently a new lock has been fitted. We also need to re-concrete one of the gate posts. The fencing is a BCC responsibility but inaction on their behalf has led to us taking action. Please don’t use the gate for vehicle access while the work is occurring.
• During plot inspections and while walking around the site, there appears to be a glut of sycamores growing both on plots and in communal areas. The photos attached show three sycamore removed from my plot last week. When like this they can removed easily. Clearly as they grow, it becomes more difficult. Thus this is a request to take action and remove as many as possible. Thank you.
• There is much work to be carried out on site that is not a BCC responsibility eg clearing vacant plots, taking down trees on plots, clearing paths. It is down to all of us all. A few of us have been doing this but it does feel overwhelming. So, this is an appeal to others to lend a hand and provide that additional person power to get stuff done. Dates set for September and October are 24th & 28/9, 11.00 -12.00 and 22nd & 26/10, 11.00-12.00. Meet outside the office. Any help would be appreciated.
• Just to remind everyone particularly newer plot holders, that any surplus crops or used equipment can be placed on the bench outside the office for others to take. Thanks to those providing the apples, plums and courgettes!

Changes to the Committee

At the most recent meeting, Tom Beach, the Association’s chair decided to step down. Tom has been a stalwart of the Committee in a number of roles over the best part of 20 years. We would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his involvement over the years. Currently, this leaves us without a chair in addition to two vacant Committee member posts. If anyone is interested and wishes to discuss the roles further please contact me in the first instance. We are, however, pleased to welcome back Alistair Thomson as a co-opted member.

Regards.

Tim

Hello

There are only a few items to share this month. If anything further turns up, I’ll send another mail.

1. Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF) – 20th Anniversary Walk 1st stage, Sunday August 3rd 2025

All members of BOSF were invited to participate in a series of walks organised by Chris Milward, Team4Nature, https://www.team4nature.co.uk/ to celebrate the body’s 20th anniversary. As part of the celebrations Chris will be visiting Harborne Hill allotments on Sunday August 3rd, 15.45 -16.15 where he will walk around the site exploring flora and fauna and birdlife. All are invited. Meet at Nursery Road gates.

2. Filming

The allotment site will be turned into a film set this forthcoming Tuesday night. RoosterRexx, a small independent Birmingham based film company, will be shooting a 20 minute comedy about someone with a long term health condition striving to achieve his goal of obtaining an allotment plot. 

3. New Edgbaston Conservation Area – Consultation

BCC have proposals to extend the conservation area in Edgbaston. These are currently out for consultation until 16/8/25. The Association has responded highlighting the need for a stronger emphasis on biodiversity and enhancing the place of the Chad Brook as a ‘water highway’ in the area. 

https://consult.birmingham.gov.uk/kpse/event/1E8E8245-BCEF-46C8-A43F-498F7B030931/submission/BD04355B-A2D2-46FB-AA9D-62FC2CB76F40

That’s all for the moment.

Tim

Hello

A fair bit to share with everyone this month so here goes.

Plant swap – I hope those of you able to attend enjoyed it. There were a few more there than last year but again the overcast conditions may have prohibited some. Any feedback would be welcomed. See report on the website.

Website – The new site is up and running. Again, if you have any thoughts about content or any visuals that could enhance the site further, please let me know. Address is as follows:

www.harbornehillallotments.org

Site issues 

Tree work – This is on going with the remaining work along Harborne Road scheduled when the road is partially closed towards the end of July and the corner of Nursery and Kingscote Roads. There are plenty of chippings remaining on the grassed area between Harborne and Yateley Roads.

Water – With the hot spells we’ve been having, extra demands are made on water supplies. We all have to make sure we use supplies as carefully as possible, by reporting any leaks or malfunctioning from the water taps or pipes, using water from water butts only and not using hoses to water plants directly. Water butts can be purchased from the shop at £15 each.

Music – The Allotment Rules do not prohibit the playing of radios but I would ask if you do use a radio, be considerate of the needs of others.

Speeding – Once again, I need to mention the 5mph speed limit on site. There have been instances where some drivers see the track as a Silverstone racing circuit. We will be working on more appropriate visible signage. 

Shop – Shop products with prices are both on the noticeboard between the shop and office and on the website. Anyone interested in helping with staffing the shop, let me know.

Two plot holders have been nominated in the BDAC’s Best Newcomer competition. Good luck to them both.

Association

At the last Committee meeting, a number of potential projects were shared. Three were agreed, social events, noticeboard renewal and content and replacement of tool locker doors and fixing guttering. The latter is conditional on finding someone willing and able to undertake the work for which there will be payment. If anyone is willing to assist or can recommend 

Other ideas shared included:

• Surplus produce. Every year there is a glut of some products. Opportunities to co-ordinate  site surplus produce could be developed with churches, other community groups or a local baker who has also approached us requesting any surplus. In return the latter will offer to supply samples of food for events and give 5% discount for plot holders. Contact me if interested.
• Nursery Road entrance flower/herb boxes. A stand alone project with possible links to surplus produce, is to utilise two large planters for growing either flowers, herbs or both. Again, if interested let me know.
• History of allotment site. This has arisen since the last Committee meeting when I was asked by Calthorpe Residents Society to write an article for their newsletter on the site’s history. There is nothing on our website and little in the way of oral history as far as I’ve been able to determine. If one or more people are interested in collecting available material and collating into a readable piece, please contact me.

Information from BDAC & BOSF

North Summerfield Residents are having a plant and flower swap this coming Thursday. All invited. See attached flyer.

The BDAC have responded to some proposed changes from BCC to the Allotment Rules. They are still seeking feedback until 1/8/25. See link and attachment below.

https://bdacallotments.co.uk/2025/05/20/bcc-proposed-rule-changes-2025

Regards.

Tim

Hello

If you need further details on anything I mention just let me know.

AGM 2025

This took place and was a very brief meeting lasting just over 30 minutes. The Committee was re-elected so we have 10 of 12 places filled. As previously mentioned, if anyone would like to be co-opted to one of the two vacancies, please contact me. Thanks to the 13 people in attendance.

PLANT SWAP

Saturday May 17th, 10-00 – 12.00, outside the shop & office

Miriam, Marina and Cheryl are organising another plant swap. Refreshments and plants available. If you are unable to attend and wish to donate plants contact me. Here’s hoping for better weather than last year.

SITE PLOT INSPECTION

The inspection was carried out this week. It was felt that the majority of plots were well maintained. However, accumulation of rubbish remains an issue. A good opportunity to purge plots of waste is the site waste collection in September. It is also noticeable that at least one third of plots still have no evidence of what number they are or have an incorrect number. You are required to display a plot number as part of your tenancy agreement. Please contact me if you are unsure of your plot number.

In addition, those renting tool lockers are reminded that some still require a coat of green paint which is available from the office.

WEBSITE

The new website is now live at https://www.harbornehillallotments.org/.

Thanks to those who responded to the draft version and fed back ideas some of which have been included in this version. The challenge will be to keep the site up to date as well as to add new elements. Again, any ideas let me know.

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BIRMINGHAM OPEN SPACES FORUM  https://bosf.org.uk/about-bosf/

Events open to plot holders because we are members of BOSF: 

MAY

• Wednesday 7th, Explore the Bluebells at the Lickey Hills Country Park, with the Lickey Hills Society – 10.30am to 12.30pm
   
  Meet at the Visitors centre, in the School Room, at 10.30am for tea, coffee and cake, followed by a guided walk to see the beautiful display of Bluebells. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
   
  Location: Lickey Hills Country Park, Warren Ln, Rednal, B45 8ER.

JUNE

• Thursday 5th, Nature & Networking – “Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground & Beyond” with Ward End Residents Group, along the River Cole – 1pm to 3pm
   
  Meet at the EBAHA Social Club for light refreshments, followed by a guided walk, led by Chris Millward (Team4Nature).
   
  Location:  151-153 Cotterills Lane, B8 3RY.

• Wednesday 18th, Coffee Morning Social with Moseley in Bloom – 11am to 12.30pm*
   
  This is a wonderful chance to view one of the gardens in advance of their “Moseley Open Gardens Weekend”. The Moseley in Bloom Open Gardens has been going for 17 years and in their 18 gardens in 2024 they drew in over 750 visitors.
   
  Location: Chantry Road, Moseley.

Regards

Tim

Hello

I hope this finds you all well.

First, a good bit of news. It’s great to report that we had full payment on the rent for 24/25. This makes such a difference for us in terms of time and effort to follow up non payees and for BCC in terms of issuing penalty notices. Thank you all.

SITE ISSUES

• Winter clearly brings its own trials and tribulations. Those of you with greenhouses or polytunnels may notice glass and/or plastic panels blown out and smashed. Tree damage appears limited to my knowledge and the water levels in the Brook have held steady.
• Trees – The work on the site’s trees finally began in November. It is estimated that nearly 50% of the trees earmarked for work on them in the tree survey, have been cut and/or pruned. Trees adjacent to Harborne Road and the remainder of Yateley Road have yet to be touched. BCC has re-prioritised its contractors to work on tree damage caused by December’s storm. We’re hopeful the work will be completed by the end of the financial year in March.
• Chippings from the above tree work have been dumped adjacent to plot 7. It is for everyone’s use. Most has been taken but there are remnants left.
• Rats – Clearly we have them and we’re not going to eradicate them overnight. So, how do we minimise their impact? One way is to ensure when feeding birds, feed from height on a bird table or similar. Throwing seed on the ground will encourage vermin. In addition, check places rats may choose to hide, under sheds or in compost or manure piles. Finally, rat poison is available free from the shop if you require it.
• Goods for exchange – Plot holders can place any unwanted goods eg excess fruit, vegetables, flowers or shrubs/bushes, equipment (unbroken tools, hoses or tunnels) on the bench outside the office where others can take them.
• Manure – Two suppliers are used by plot holders. Cost and quality can vary. Supplier details as follows, Bill on 07790 794125 and Brad on 07930 720037. Plot holders need to have space for dumping it on their plot and keep it covered if they intend to let it rot down.
• Winter social – Miriam and Marina were planning a winter get together following the plant exchange last May. Unfortunately the weather forecast made sure it wasn’t going to happen. Let’s hope for better weather at the next one.

SHOP

• The potato order has arrived. Unfortunately there are no Swift. People can collect their order from the shop on Saturdays between 11.00 – 12.00.
• We’re looking for people to assist with unloading when a shop order arrives. Deliveries take place during the week. Let me know if you can help. Also, if anyone is interested helping out in the shop, likewise please contact me initially.

WEBSITE

Miri and Peppe have worked on designing and populating a new website. They have produced a draft site details here:

HOME – harbornehillallotments’s

It would be useful to find out your thoughts on the site. Can you let me know by February 15th. 

• Initial thoughts on content, design, how easy or difficult is it to understand?
• What else could be included or would you like to see?
• Anything else?

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

• HHAA AGM – 12/4/25, 12.15-13.15, Harborne Academy. Date, time and venue to be confirmed.
• Plant swap – Outside shop/office, 10/5/25. Date and time to be confirmed.

That’s all for now.

Tim

Hello, I hope this will a successful resumption of normal services. This is the first update since May ’24 so apologies in advance for any excessive news content.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

A fair bit which I’ll try and summarize:

• Plant swap – The Spring Bank holiday saw us hold a plant swap. Plot holders contributed a wealth of surplus produce and this, together with Sue’s iris information, provided an opportunity for people to meet others, have a tea/coffee and swap or make a donation for a plant or two. 16 people attended on a cold Saturday and £20 was received in donations. Thanks to Miriam and Marina for organising and everyone who donated plants or money.
• Queensbridge school – What appears to be an annual visit occurred from July 16th – 18th. Twenty year 10 young people visited the site as part of a planned programme of volunteering. Some great work was carried out including trimming the base of the large tree at the Nursery Road entrance, cutting back and clearing vegetation on one of the path on the Kingscote Road side of Chad Brook and cutting back the hedge grow on the Harborne Road fencing opposite Harborne Academy. 
• The site had another successful waste clearance event for a week in September. It provided an accessible opportunity for  plot holders to dispose of both historic and current waste on their plot. Any further feedback would be appreciated.
• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) visit – Via the Birmingham & District Allotment Co-operative (BDAC), sites were invited to offer themselves to be part of a tour of the city’s allotments by an RHS delegation. Working with Guinea Gardens, Pereira Road and Moor Pool allotments, a collaborative proposal was submitted and was successful. Pereira Road and Moor Pool were drawn out of a hat as representatives of sites in this part of the city. An informative exchange took place in the ‘talk and walks’ across both sites.

SITE ISSUES

• All plot holders should have had notification of how much their rent is for 2024/25. Many thanks to everybody who has made prompt payment. It really helps.
• From 14/10/24 contractors will be on site working on the trees. Pruning will take place on 69 of these trees predominantly London Planes. Currently, we are unaware how long the work will take. The wood will be chipped and plot holders can help themselves. Chippings will be placed on the grassed area adjacent to plot 7. We have been asked to remove any vegetation or waste left at the base of the trees especially those adjacent to Yateley Road (‘Tenants must leave a minimum gap of 2′ (0.6m) between the rear of their plot and any adjoining boundary fence to allow access for maintenance’ 5.8 Allotment Rules).
• Bonfires – November is the only month for bonfires. The message remains the same, if having a fire be considerate to both neighbours and those living in the nearby streets and monitor the fire until it is out. The water will remain on for part of the month. No date has yet been set for it to be turned off for winter.
• Plot update – There has been some movement on the waiting list so that it has now been reduced to 32 with average waiting time down from three years to 15 months. Currently there are seven vacant plots. A warm welcome to new plot holders Vev, Paula, Edward, Jailo, Carrie, Mark, Lauretta, Lorna and Hilary. We hope you enjoy it!
• Some sad news – We lost a fellow plot holder a few weeks ago. Caroline was a avid gardener, a brilliant composter and recycler. Her funeral will take place on Monday November 4th, 12.30 at St George’s Church. Edgbaston. Everyone is invited with a request to wear bright colours if you do attend.
• Observations made when carrying out plot inspections and clearances – These include: Lack of a visible plot number sign (rule 12.1), tyres (rule 10.9), carpet or underlay (rule 6.5), corrugated iron sheeting/barbed wire (rule 6.4) and even a rabbit hutch! All these items were found or observed on sites still in use as well as those vacated. Your help in not keeping or using these materials and providing appropriate signage would be appreciated. In addition, many of those with tool lockers need their doors either painted or re-painted. Paint can be supplied.

OTHER ‘BITS N’ PIECES’

• Copy of the September edition of the Harborne Walkway News attached.

That’s all for now.

Regards.

Tim

Hello, I’m still attempting to send these bulletins out monthly but you may have noticed the last one and this one are bi-monthly. No excuses, I’ve just been overtaken by events! Anyway, here goes:

ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION

• AGM – Held at the beginning of April at Harborne Academy, 15 members were in attendance. The venue worked well for us although a science laboratory is not an ideal place to get too comfortable. Aside from the Treasurer’s and Secretary’s reports, the Committee was re-elected including two new members Miriam Gatti and Atanas Kozarev. It was agreed to raise the Association fee to £10 per year.
• We still have two Committee vacancies. If anyone is interested please contact me either via email or on site.
• I was asked to send out the ideas list generated by plot holders’ and this is attached. As always, any new ideas send them to me.

SITE

• Plant swap – this will take place on Saturday May 25^th, 11.00 -12.30 outside the office and shop. Refreshments will be available. Please donate any surplus plants and bring them along on the day. If you are unable to attend but wish to donate, contact me to make arrangements. This was one of the ideas highlighted by plot holders and its great to see it being addressed.
• Your shop needs you! Any help, however small, with the running of the shop would be appreciated. Tasks include assisting with deliveries, sorting and recording orders. Instructions will be given, Contact me in the first instance.
• There have been reports of individuals walking through the site at different times of the day and evening. This may well be harmless. However, as highlighted in previous bulletins, we need to be constantly vigilant. It was reported that Harborne Lane site were broken into a few weeks ago with damage done to 15 sheds and greenhouses.
• There will be a group of Year 8s’ from Queensbridge School volunteering on site from Tuesday 16^th – Thursday 18^th July. This has been an annual placement for the young people for a few years now. Tasks have yet to be confirmed.

Birmingham & District Allotment Co-operative (BDAC)

• The BDAC’s AGM was held in March this year. Over 120 people attended and agreed to a change to become an incorporated organization as a co-operative. Further detail will become available over time.
• The University of Birmingham survey seeking to examine plot holder growing patterns – results yet to be shared.
• The BDAC is co-ordinating a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) visit to allotment sites across the city from 21/6 to 23/6/24. Sites can express an interest in being visited. Locally, four sites, Guinea Gardens, Moor Pool, Pereria Road and Harborne Hill proposed a collaborative expression of interest. This was submitted and we are awaiting to see if we are selected.
• BDAC monthly newsletter  Monthly Roundup (mailchi.mp)     

ODDS & ENDS

• Information on Lyme disease  https://lymediseaseuk.com/2023/03/30/lyme-disease-awareness-month-2024/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/90584497051/?ref=share

Apologies in advance if you have problems with the links.

Regards.

Tim