COVID-19 Advice
The Scottish Government advice gives details of four reasons why you might be allowed to leave your home. For allotment plot holders two reasons could be seen as relevant.
There are many factors to be considered. However in particular, most allotment sites are made up of standard plots of 250sq m and some half size plots. Provided plot holders are responsible and do not invite friends to the plot, then effective social distancing of 3m could be easier to implement there than on the public paths and walkways where non allotment holders have to take their outdoor exercise. Also it could be easier to gather fruit and vegetables safely than in a supermarket or grocery store. Restrictions may have to be introduced where sites have communal poly tunnels or tool sheds or toilet facilities or small raised beds, but the basic allotment plots, separated from each other by a small fence or path could provide a safe out door environment if used responsibly.
Local Authorities who manage allotments will have experienced allotment officers who should shortly be drawing up regulations suited to their sites. Our members on local authority sites should contact their allotment officer for information. A few local authorities have already published advice which can be accessed through the links below:
- Working on your allotment is an excellent form of exercise and could be your one form of exercise a day
- Many people depend on the food they grow at their allotment. For them going to the allotment is how they obtain basic necessities.
There are many factors to be considered. However in particular, most allotment sites are made up of standard plots of 250sq m and some half size plots. Provided plot holders are responsible and do not invite friends to the plot, then effective social distancing of 3m could be easier to implement there than on the public paths and walkways where non allotment holders have to take their outdoor exercise. Also it could be easier to gather fruit and vegetables safely than in a supermarket or grocery store. Restrictions may have to be introduced where sites have communal poly tunnels or tool sheds or toilet facilities or small raised beds, but the basic allotment plots, separated from each other by a small fence or path could provide a safe out door environment if used responsibly.
Local Authorities who manage allotments will have experienced allotment officers who should shortly be drawing up regulations suited to their sites. Our members on local authority sites should contact their allotment officer for information. A few local authorities have already published advice which can be accessed through the links below:
- City of Edinburgh Council
has put information on its web site which can be accessed here in addition FEDAGA has posted advice for plotholders on its web site here - Fife council
has sent a letter to every plot holder. This letter can be downloaded here - Glasgow City Council
has advice for plotholders on its web site here. When the page opens scroll down and click on Parks and Gardens. Then scroll down to the item on Allotments.
- The UK wide National Allotment Society has an excellent page of information and ideas on its web site.
- Exeter council has produced clear guidance for its allotment holders which considers sympathetically the issues for people who cannot attend their plot for whatever reason
- Garnock Valley Allotment Association has produced this simple set of rules for its members.
SAGS Advice
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is constantly evolving. The World Health Organisation has confirmed the outbreak as a pandemic and the UK Government has moved from the 'contain' to 'delay' phase. The Scottish and UK Governments say a larger outbreak is expected and they are preparing for it. Allotments are places in the out doors where it is possible to undertake healthy physical exercise in a communal environment without needing to be physically close to other people. Nevertheless there are issues to be considered both by Allotment Committees and by plot holders.
SAGS recommends that allotment associations and local authorities be aware that some members will not be as active within their plot as usual. They may be under self-isolation, unwell, or caring for relatives or friends who need support. The approach to weedy plots, non-attendance on sites and evictions should be relaxed in the light of the situation. It is likely that some people may miss a whole growing season if they are required to stay home for four months. We recommend a positive approach to this situation. If possible an allotment association may be able to arrange for healthy members to spend time maintaining the plots of sick or older members. Many people find the allotment is a place of comfort and have a strong emotional attachment to their plot. SAGS asks local authorities and allotment committees on self managed sites to be aware of this and to consider the implications for mental and emotional wellbeing before issuing warning letters or evictions.
Plotholders should remember that although the allotment is a relatively wide open empty space it is still not risk free. The virus can live for 24 hours on cardboard (fertiliser boxes?) and 2 to 3 days on steel or plastic (allotment gates? communal taps? communal tools?). So it is important to read the hygiene recommendations in the links at the left and adhere to them rigorously. Take wipes with you to the plot and, for example, consider cleaning tools and/or your hands after opening or closing gates or shed doors that might have been used by others. The virus can also live for several hours on clothing so think about washing your gardening clothing rather than using an overall multiple times.
SAGS sincerely hopes that in spite of the problematic times everyone will have a happy successful growing season this year.
SAGS recommends that allotment associations and local authorities be aware that some members will not be as active within their plot as usual. They may be under self-isolation, unwell, or caring for relatives or friends who need support. The approach to weedy plots, non-attendance on sites and evictions should be relaxed in the light of the situation. It is likely that some people may miss a whole growing season if they are required to stay home for four months. We recommend a positive approach to this situation. If possible an allotment association may be able to arrange for healthy members to spend time maintaining the plots of sick or older members. Many people find the allotment is a place of comfort and have a strong emotional attachment to their plot. SAGS asks local authorities and allotment committees on self managed sites to be aware of this and to consider the implications for mental and emotional wellbeing before issuing warning letters or evictions.
Plotholders should remember that although the allotment is a relatively wide open empty space it is still not risk free. The virus can live for 24 hours on cardboard (fertiliser boxes?) and 2 to 3 days on steel or plastic (allotment gates? communal taps? communal tools?). So it is important to read the hygiene recommendations in the links at the left and adhere to them rigorously. Take wipes with you to the plot and, for example, consider cleaning tools and/or your hands after opening or closing gates or shed doors that might have been used by others. The virus can also live for several hours on clothing so think about washing your gardening clothing rather than using an overall multiple times.
SAGS sincerely hopes that in spite of the problematic times everyone will have a happy successful growing season this year.