Projects undertaken by Old Woughton Parish Council for the Patch Allotments

Additional Security Fencing

In December 2017 another stretch of fencing at the Patch Allotments was replaced with secure 2.4 metre high anti-climb fencing. The fencing replaced was along the western boundary between the pedestrian gate and the southern boundary. This section of fencing was previously only about one metre high and despite the undergrowth outside it was known to have been the entry point for trespassers.

 

March 2022 Update

The whole of the north boundary alongside the public orchard has now had similar 2.4 metre high anti-climb fencing installed in two tranches. Most recently, all but about 50 metres of the east boundary from the orchard to the main gate has also had the same fencing installed. The Patch Allotment Association, who manage the site, plan to install new fencing along this final 50 metres of boundary in 2022.

Water Borehole

A water borehole project is being investigated. The local water table as evidenced by a local well is quite high, and the Patch’s daily water requirement is well within the permitted daily amount of water one is allowed to extract.

If the decision is taken to proceed it is anticipated there will be a saving of a minimum of £700 per annum on the annual water bill.  The capital cost of the project is estimated to be around £15,000 but grants are available and it is hoped that the net cost to the Parish will be between £2,500 and £5,000.  It is possible that the pump power could be provided by solar panels, wind turbines may not be effective because of the surrounding trees.

May 2016 Update

A geological survey was carried out of the Patch allotments land. Based on the results of this survey the advice received, from the various drilling companies contacted for quotations, was that there would be insufficient water to meet the needs of the Patch Allotments.

This project has therefore been suspended, unless any new information comes to light.

Plot re-staking

All the plots are to be re-staked with four corner posts.  Over the years many of the markers have broken or rotted resulting in some unclear boundaries. As plots are re-staked we are also re-measuring to confirm the many different plot sizes.

The project has commenced, but the timing of inserting the stakes is very weather dependant and it is anticipated that the project will last at least three years.

Update 31st May 2018

Almost half the plots have now been re-staked.

Update 22nd March 2020

On the home straight, only 33 of 210 plots requiring staking, to go!

Update March 2022

Finally all the plots have been re-staked!! The pandemic caused a final haitus, but all useable plots have now been completed. In the intervening six years, one or two of the original “new” plot markers have either rotted or been damaged. It seems the initial three year estimate proved optimistic for this volunteer activity. Replacing plot markers has now moved from a project to a maintenance activity.

Allotment Shop

Two used shipping containers arrived on-site in October 2014.

One was provided to be used as a shop by the Patch Allotment Association (PAA).  Previously an old wooden hut on-site had acted as the PAA meeting room, tea-room and shop. The shop can now hold more goods more securely, and the hut has more space for meetings and socialisation.

The second container was provided to the Patch Allotment Association to securely hold an increasing amount of allotment machinery, spares and workshop space.

This picture shows the interior of the shop after renovation by the PAA.

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