The allotment committee assist with the ongoing management of the allotments by carrying out inspections of the plots on site every month during season (paused over winter) for and on behalf of Royston Town Council to ensure that plots are being regularly used.

Two committee members complete the inspections together: walking round the site, viewing all the plots and recording any relevant notes. We take turns but try to have each committee member complete two consecutive inspections, to help spot changes since the last inspection.

Plots are marked very simply; we are checking plots are being worked and don't take personal choice factors into consideration, for example types of crops, growth methods etc. We have recently simplified the marking criteria. 

• Most plots will be marked as 'acceptable'; this is good, it means a plot is being worked but doesn't require the plot to be pristine! 

• We also mark the most outstanding plots with a mark of 8, 9 or 10. This is so we can fairly award someone with 'Best Plot' each year at the AGM.

• The last category of plots is those that appear as if they have not been worked recently, and are assigned a score of 1, 2 or 3. The committee will take photos of the plot so that progress can be compared to the previous month.

If a plot scores three or less for two months in a row, the photos will be used to check if progress has been made and also if we are aware of any current mitigating circumstances. If not, a RAGA letter will be sent to the plot holder. Our letter is intended as a gentle reminder, to check on the wellbeing of the plot holder and also contains some friendly advice, such as suggestions for getting on top of a weedy plot! We understand people have busy lives and there are circumstances that can prevent people from being able to get to the plot. The RAGA letter encourages plot holders to let the committee know about any relevant circumstances and timeframes.

If a plot holder receives three RAGA letters within a year, then unfortunately we must pass the information on to Royston Town Council. They will contact the plot holder themselves and usually give a specific timeframe in which they ask progress to be made or for the plot holder to get in touch to discuss circumstances. If this is not done, the next step will be for the Council to contact the plot holder to terminate the tenancy agreement.

The waiting list for allotment plots in Royston is very long, so it is important that unwanted plots are identified and passed on. Plots can also become overgrown extremely quickly, which can cause problems for neighbouring plots and also makes it harder for new plot holders to turn it around. However, the process is not intended to cause upset to plot holders that are struggling due to circumstances, so please do keep in touch with the committee. There is a great local community of help and advice available, in particular via the plot holders Facebook page, where help is often offered to help people with watering etc as needed. Happy growing!