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Post by Admin on Jul 7, 2021 12:27:50 GMT
Please post comments in response
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Post by jane on Jul 10, 2021 17:37:31 GMT
Hi Helen.
My thoughts….
I think we have a duty to make the entrance to our allotments look as tidy and cared for as possible - both for existing plot holders (reduce spread of weeds etc), to encourage good husbandry on site and reassure the local Community that we are a well run site, committed to caring for our plots and proud of what we are doing and achieving.
Sadly I think that the entrance at present looks tatty and neglected and agree this has just not worked. I know part of it has since been mowed and I believe that unless we can provide a wild flower area which is nurtured and cared for (as elsewhere across our town, and these beds are Glorious, thank you…) then we would be better to have a mown area that looks neat and shows a cared for face to those passing by.
I think plot holders have enough to look after on their own plots and so unless the council are willing to take this on and maintain, then we should return it to grass, which will also provide some on site parking during the summer months which may please the residents also!!
Just my thoughts… am sure others will have a view also.
Thank you for consulting us - I am personally appreciative of that.
Jane - plot 15/15a
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David
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 49
Allotment site: America Lane
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Post by David on Jul 12, 2021 8:37:07 GMT
I am a newcomer to the allotment - so interested to what others have to say?
Wild flowers , plants and fungi are the life support for all our wildlife and their colour and character light up our landscapes. But without our help , this priceless natural heritage is in danger of being lost. Wildflowers are important as just one species can support a whole ecosystem from fungi and invertebrates, through insect-eating birds and small mammals, to birds of prey. They are key habitats for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, whose numbers have seen huge declines in recent years.
“A huge number of species use these plants. The common birds-foot trefoil, for example, which has a lovely pea-like flower, can provide food for more than 160 different types of invertebrates,” and “Plants are the energy house of all other species – if we get that mixture of plants back we get diversity with everything else.”
Willing to help others create a mindfulness area
Regards
David Plot 18
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wil
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 18
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Post by wil on Jul 25, 2021 10:59:49 GMT
while i agree with most of what jane says there are some points i would like to discuss
first the complaints did not just come from plot holders they came from people from
the houses as well and those complaints were not only about the front patch of ground
but the site as a whole.
The whole issue of the front piece of ground is to my mind and phils yearning for a
wildflower garde3n to my mind can be solved quite easily by getting the front back to
its former state and looking at the ditch that runs down your side murray .
that is now left to its own devices and has these wild flowers already growing there
milkmaids, red snatch and maids in waiting.
what small amount of water that flows in the ditch flows quite happily through without
any bother'
It also has the advantage of being out of sight of the road.
IF worked on and different wild flowers planted there they would in quite a short space
the wild flowers would take over from the grass and quite a pleasant stretch would start to
emerge.
I would also like to point out that quite a lot of plotholders a long time ago turned part of
their plot into wonderful oasis of colour.
for which they have never been given credit.
which
milk
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wil
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 18
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Post by wil on Jul 25, 2021 11:20:58 GMT
HOW ABOUT TRYINGA FEW BORAGE IN YOUR PLOT.
THE STICK INSECT ,WHICH IS IN DANGER OF DYING OUT LOVES THEM
VERBENA
CLOVER
COSMOS
ALL ARE WONDERFUL ATTRACTION PLANTS TO AGREAT DEAL OF INSECTS
TRY GROWING SOME SUNFLOWER PLANTS
OSCAR HAS PROVED THEY GROW WELL ON THIS SITE.
ON THE VEGETABLE SCENE
RUNNER BEANS
BROAD BEADS
AND THE BLUE PODDED PEAS
ATTRACT A LOT OF INSECTS
THE LAB LAB BEAN GROWN AMONGST THESE PLANT ATTRACTS ALL THE INSECTS
YOU CAN NAME.
A FEW MARIGOLDS DOTTED AROUND ATTRACT INSCTS
SORRY GETTING CARRIED AWAY
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David
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 49
Allotment site: America Lane
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Post by David on Jul 25, 2021 18:16:18 GMT
Yesterday morning at 04:30 (I know what you are thinking - but its real cool at that time to dig on your plot)
I saw two Dragonflies playing/Eating insects - I tracked them back to the ditch (Didn't do much digging)
Dragonflies Are Beneficial to People
1) The dragonfly does an amazing job of helping humans by controlling populations of pest insects, especially those that bug us most, such as mosquitoes and biting flies.
2) A single dragonfly can reportedly eat anywhere from 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
3) They also inspire us to create new technology — from drones to artificial visual systems — based on their incredible skills at flight and vision.
4) The least we humans can do to return the favor is support the conservation of their habitats so they can continue on for another 300 million years.
5) Arriving on the scene around 300 million years ago, dragonflies were one of the first insects to inhabit this planet.
6) They've had a long time to perfect the art of flying, hunting, and just being amazing.
7) The voracious appetite of dragonflies makes them a great asset to the allotment. "Because they're top predators in the insect world, they keep a balance with the insects on our plots.
8) There are many plants that will attract tiny pollinators, which also serve as food for the dragonflies.
9) We need to harness Nature and help it to be able to help us
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wil
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 18
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Post by wil on Jul 30, 2021 11:58:58 GMT
what must not be overlooked is these facts
the site is under threat from builders
the piece of ground was very well kept by Charlie Bristow who planted the tree that was a picture
and i believe someone from Bentswood took a photo of it to present at one of the
Benswood meetings.
This tree was wantingly destroyed by the town council for reasons never explained
I do think that a full explanation from the town council should be forthcoming as
to why this was done,as this was the beginning of the piece of ground in question
going from a pece of ground thaT filled all the criteria of what an entrance to a
site should look like to the mess it is now.
I would like to point out also that had the idea to mAKE a wild life gARDEN been put to everyone
before any action had been taken then ,perhaps,other ideas would have arisen.
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Post by jane on Aug 4, 2021 18:03:09 GMT
I am so pleased that others have contributed to this consultation - and perhaps others also may have a view?
David - you are clearly very knowledgeable about wildlife and their contribution to our lives. I completely agree with everything you say... and I do my bit. Wil - take a look at my plot (15 i think...) - i have all the plants you list! I garden organically and my plot is alive with wildlife and flowers and the bees are almost a menace at times... i have to dodge them (they have right of way of course...) and so far this season i havent been stung! Phew!
David - you havent actually answered the consultation - do you have any thoughts on the front section?
Wil - I think we are all in agreement that encouraging wild flowers and pollinators is a must. Not sure if the stream idea is viable - could it end up clogging the stream? I am just mindful that anything introduced needs to be managed. And to my mind there in lies the issue.
If all plotholders designated a part of their plot to flowers (wildflowers or flowers loved by pollinators) then we would surely have answered our commitment to the plot's ecological footprint. Many plotholders already do. Its lovely to see such a colourful allotment.
If these pollen rich flowers are on our plots and looked after and managed... then perhaps thats the best solution. Otherwise it needs managing and with the best will in the world everyone has busy lives and enough to manage with their own gardens and allotments. We need to be real.
We have a community garden - but we struggle to get our community to contribute to its maintenance - so introducing another element is, in my opinion, a step too far.
Perhaps we can have a good old natter at our social on August 15th. Dont lets get cross or anxious about it.... i think all of us are doing a wonderful job.
Well done us!
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David
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 49
Allotment site: America Lane
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Post by David on Aug 6, 2021 7:39:21 GMT
Hi Jane (Yes I have admired your plot 15 and even taken some tips for my plot) - You may have to wait at this time to see it come to fruition.
I was hoping my input to date may have given you a positive YES to attracting other plot holders to speak up!
DO WE KNOW WHAT WE WILL BE MISSING?
Wildflowers, weeds and plants that pop up when you leave a patch to grow wild can be put to good use,
As well as being good for biodiversity, rewilding a patch of your plot can also provide a wealth of riches, including valuable fertiliser and delicious tea.
Wildflower weeds and plants that may once have been considered an invasive nuisance can be harvested and used to enrich your plot – and your life.
Make comfrey fertiliser: Growing a patch of comfrey as part of your rewilding scheme could save you a lot of money in shop-bought fertiliser and do the same job.
The plant sucks up nutrients from the soil and it’s easy to make a liquid feed by filling a bucket with leaves, adding water and then leaving it too steep for a week or two before pouring the (very smelly) liquid onto crops. What’s left can be added to the compost heap to enrich it and help break it down.
Stabilise your soil with colour: You may scatter wildflower seeds over your rewilding plot to add colour to the area and encourage pollinators into your garden. But planting wildflowers can also keep soil healthy and once established, their roots will help stabilise your soil.
This means that during extreme weather such as persistent torrential rain, the roots will help secure the soil particles and nutrients, which could otherwise wash away. Strong root systems are particularly important on sloping plots, where the ground can easily be washed away without stabilising root systems.
Have a cup of nettle tea: Nettles seem to pop up everywhere on ground that’s been left to do its own thing, so pop on a pair of gloves and pick some leaves for making a brew.
The Woodland Trust suggests picking the tips of the leaves for the best flavour. Then you can put them in a saucepan with plenty of water, adding honey for sweetness, and boil them for around 15 minutes, before straining and serving. You could even make iced tea if you pour the mixture into a jug and put it in the fridge, before serving with ice.
Eat your weeds: Some weeds such as chickweed and goosegrass are edible and can be cooked and eaten like spinach. Leaves of dandelions and sow thistle can be added to salads too.
Did you know that dandelions can be consumed?
Dandelions may be pesky weeds in our lawns but they have been known to be beneficial for the body!
They can be prepared as a tincture or the leaves, flowers and roots can be consumed.
Some known benefits:
💚aids digestion
💚prevents water distension in kidneys
💚detoxify the liver
💚boosts antioxidant activity
💚helps regulate blood sugar levels
💚protect the gallbladder
💚soothes inflammation
💚prevents UVB damage of the skin
💚boosts the immune system
💚may help manage high blood pressure levels and help balance cholesterol levels
Enjoy ‘berried’ treasure: You may find brambles unsightly and the prickly stems painful but leave some to roam wild and they’ll give you delicious blackberries from August onwards. Their white flowers, which appear in early summer, are also a great food source for bees.
Be a ground elder glutton: Ground elder, one of our most pernicious weeds, was first imported into Britain by the Romans as a vegetable – until it was found to be invasive. It will quickly take over flower beds and borders if left to roam freely.
It’s likely to appear at some point if you rewild an area and is almost impossible to eradicate because you have to remove every little piece of white root – if you leave any fragments in the soil, they will regrow. So, try to control it by digging up at least some of it to eat. It was used in the Middle Ages to cure gout and tastes a bit like parsley, so add some leaves to your salad to perk it up.
Leaves are best picked young in spring, with as much of the stem as you can retrieve, before the leaf has fully opened, and taste best friend in olive oil. Avoid mature leaves as they can leave a nasty taste in the mouth.
Repel mosquitoes with cow parsley: You often find it in hedgerows and woodlands – and cow parsley may well pop up in your rewilding patch. You could add it to indoor flower displays for a touch of white froth, as you would gypsophila, or follow an ancient tradition to ward off mosquitoes by applying it directly to your skin.
But a word of warning, make sure it is cow parsley and don’t confuse it with giant hogweed, which looks like huge cow parsley and can burn the skin.
David Plot 18
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David
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 49
Allotment site: America Lane
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Post by David on Aug 17, 2021 5:27:30 GMT
I observe that this year Allotments are suffering from several types of blights and fungous, Have we brought this on ourselves?
Almost 90% of the world’s wild plants depend on animal pollination, along with 75% of leading global crops. Pollinator species include wasps, ants, butterflies, beetles, moths and bees.
- There are more than 250 species of bee in the UK, including the honey bee that normally lives in hives that are managed by beekeepers.
- Others, like many species of bumblebees and solitary bees live in the wild.
- Apart from helping feed humans, these insects also play a vital role in the reproduction of a wide variety of wild plants, fertilising them by transporting pollen from one flower to another.
- This results in fruit and seed production. In this way, they contribute indirectly to pasture renewal, and help sustain terrestrial ecosystems by supporting the first level of the food chain – plants.
Of course, pollinators do not provide these services selflessly: they search for their own food, nectar and pollen, that they collect from flowers. In their quest for these resources, they use their senses of sight and smell, identifying the density, colour and scent of flowers. Yet like many other insects, pollinator populations are declining: over the past 30 years in the United Kingdom, a third of wild species have experienced a decrease in their area of occupancy. The rarest wild species are particularly at risk, due to the disappearance of their habitat.
The memory of scent: climate change alters the scent of plants, and thus the capacity of bees to recognize them and orient themselves.
In their search for food, pollinators rely on visual signals (the colour and number of flowers) as well as olfactory cues – that is, floral scent. A bee is able to remember a fragrance and associate it with the resources provided by a given plant. Using memory, it is even capable of distinguishing between the scents of plants that produce high- or low-sugar nectar, and flowers that do not contain any nectar at all.
Floral scent consists of hundreds of small molecules emitted by the plant. However, when a plant is stressed (for example, owing to a lack of water or because it has been attacked by herbivores), it responds by emitting defensive compounds that alter its scent. A case in point is the smell of cut grass after mowing the lawn. The strong smell of wildflowers have a similar fragrance, but with sweeter notes – is intended to protect the plant, and bees have learned to use it for finding nectar.
Habitat fragmentation is generally thought to be the most important factor driving bee declines, but climate change is having an increasing role to play in their demise.
"Conservation efforts need to address declines in all pollinators in terms of developing Wildflower Gardens to support pollinator communities, not just honeybees,"
David Plot 18
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David
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 49
Allotment site: America Lane
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Post by David on Aug 17, 2021 7:13:42 GMT
Five tips for attracting bees to our allotments.
1. Create diverse plantings: Aim for a good variety of pollen-rich flowers that have different flower shapes and a range of flowering periods from early spring to late summer and even throughout the winter if you can. Bumblebee species have different length tongues that are adapted to feed from different shaped flowers. For example, the longest tongued species, Bombus hortorum, prefers deep flowers such as honeysuckle and foxglove.
- In general, avoid plants with double or multi-petalled flowers.
- Their flowers are filled with petals and pollinators find them difficult to access.
- The flowers also often lack nectar and pollen.
2. Plant wildflowers and native species: Native plants have evolved alongside our native insects and some rarer species tend to favour native wildflowers. There are other benefits to wildflowers too. They can be easy to grow and maintain, and are often relatively resistant to pests. Choose winter and early spring flowering trees such as apple, wild cherry, willow and hazel. See the list of wildflower below.
3. Don’t use pesticides: Common insecticides containing neonicotinoids (thiacloprid and acetamiprid) kill bees! They are still approved for home and garden use and are available today at most garden centres and DIY shops. Read the label and please avoid using them.
4. Make a wild houses: Create insect houses in your allotment to provide nesting sites for solitary bees and insects. Different species require different habitats. You can make your own simple bee house or you can buy a commercially-made bee house. Fix bee boxes in a south-facing spot but not in direct sunlight. Also make sure the entrance points downwards so that rain doesn’t get in.
5. Retain lawn weeds: Lawn weeds such as dandelions are excellent bee plants, providing vital pollen early in the season. White clover attracts masses of honeybees, while the longer tongued bumblebees prefer red clover. If you can’t bear to let your lawn grow, consider leaving a patch that’s less frequently mown to give them a chance to flower.
I have started a list below - What can you add to help us all:
- Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) - Flowers: May to September.
- Dandelion
- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) - Flowers: June to September.
- Perennial sow-thistle
- Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) - Flowers: May to August.
- Pignut
- Clovers (Trifolium species) - Flowers: May to September (red clover); April to October (white clover).
- Rough chervil
- Wild carrot
- Greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) - Flowers: July to September.
- Kidney vetch
- Harebell
- Hellebore, stinking (Helleborus foetidus) - Flowers: January to May.
- Meadow cranesbill
- Wild marjoram
- Scentless mayweed
- Musk mallow
- Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) - Flowers: June to September.
- Poppy
- Primrose
- Wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) - Flowers: February to May.
- Charlock
- Smooth hawksbeard
David
Plot 18
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David
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 49
Allotment site: America Lane
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Post by David on Sept 12, 2021 13:56:03 GMT
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David
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 49
Allotment site: America Lane
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Post by David on Sept 12, 2021 18:28:31 GMT
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David
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 49
Allotment site: America Lane
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Post by David on Sept 12, 2021 18:34:15 GMT
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David
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 49
Allotment site: America Lane
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Post by David on Sept 12, 2021 18:38:27 GMT
Allotments hold great potential as a resource for local wildlife. - Sensitively managed without the use of pesticides / herbicides they can really work for nature.
- Allotment form part of network of green space which make a pleasure to live in and which can support good populations of birds, insects and mammals.
- Once the warmer days of spring arrive, if all goes to plan, we’ll have an insect-friendly patch of willowy grass and cheerful blossoms by next summer.
- Actions taken now will help your allotment in the years to come and show just what can be achieved.
Attracting beneficial wildlife- Can be quite straightforward and this presentation helps us for doing so.
- However, once you’ve encouraged some of nature’s helpers to live on your plot you can’t expect them to do all the work!
- A healthy population of predators on our allotment will help subdue a host of pests, but sometimes even they will be overwhelmed.
- In these cases, we may have to step in to remove infested growth or even whole plants.
WE ALL WIN!
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