Fences on Plots Policy

Kettering Allotments Society

Fences on plots Policy:

Introduction

The Society recognises that some tenants have erected fences around their plots in the past. This policy is to clarify what is acceptable. This Policy is not intended to cover boundary fences or hedges around the perimeter of our sites. For site boundary issues and security please contact your field steward or the committee secretary.

Key points: The Society does not encourage fences around plots.

Relevant Rules:

• rule 61 - Barbed wire or razor wire is prohibited.

• Rule 64 - Permission must be received from the field steward before any new structure is built or brought onto allotment land, including fences. This also applies to modification of existing structures.

• Rule 65 - During their initial probationary period tenants should not construct new fences or poultry housing, but concentrate on cultivation (growing crops)

• Rule 10 - Any member of the management committee or Officer of the Society shall be entitled at any time to enter and inspect the allotment and any structure thereon. Where a plot entrance has a locked gate, arrangements should be made to allow access to stewards.

Policy Points

1. The top priority for allotments is the cultivation of crops.
   Erecting a fence does not count as cultivation.
   Fences should not be erected during a new tenant's probationary period.

2. We recognise that in some circumstances a fence may help. eg:
   rabbit infestation
   Safety of our members is essential. Any fence or structure must be as safe as possible

3. Sharp edges and other hazards on fences must be removed to make safe if advised by a field steward or committee member.

4. A high fence that is not see-through poses a serious health and safety hazard in case a plot holder is injured and incapacitated and cannot be seen to be assisted.

5. Field stewards and the committee have the duty to inspect plots.

6. Any solid (non see-through fence) must be a maximum of 1 (one)
   metre high.

7. Wire fences that can be seen through can be higher than 1 metre (eg
   Heras panel or similar)

8. There must be a clear view of all plots for field stewards and committee members to be able to see and inspect. A high solid fence or climbing plants that denies a clear view of a plot is unacceptable and should not be built. If such a fence is already in place, tenants must create see-through sections for viewing or dismantle the fence to enable visual access.

9. Concrete is not allowed on allotments, so fence posts should never be concreted in. Fence posts must be wood or metal, not concrete.

10. Plastic netting fencing (e.g. orange plastic) is not allowed, as it soon becomes brittle and breaks causing microplastic pollution.