See answers to previous information requests

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I am seeking information regarding the council-managed allotments within your jurisdiction. Specifically, I would like to request the following details:

The Borough Council does not manage allotments within its administrative area. Upon the completion of allotments in Wokingham, the responsibility for managing allotment facilities is transferred to the respective local parish. In most cases, the freehold land title is also transferred to the parish. If a freehold transfer is not feasible for any reason, a long-term lease is arranged between the landowner and the Parish Council.
The responses to the questions provided below are from the Borough Council's perspective and are as accurate as possible, or provided within an estimated range. For detailed information regarding a specific allotment or parish, the requestor is advised to contact the local Parish Council directly.

1. What is the price of an allotment plot per square meter, and is access to water included in this price?
The cost of an allotment within the Borough varies between £20 and £45 per year. The price for each subsequent year is influenced by factors including the location of the parish, the size of the plot, shared water usage, and miscellaneous expenses.

2. Is the use of chemical pesticides prohibited on your allotments?
The use of harsh chemical pesticides on growing areas is generally prohibited in allotment facilities throughout Wokingham. Enforcement of this policy is managed by individual parishes and community allotment groups at each site. However, certain products, such as slug pellets, may be permitted when it is determined that the benefits, particularly in terms of crop yield, outweigh the potential drawbacks.

3. Do you provide ready-to-plant, weed-free allotment beds, seeds, plug plants, and free manure fertiliser to your allotment members?
No. Allotment allocation occurs when previous holders relinquish their plots, typically due to an inability to maintain them. As a result, when a plot is handed over to a new holder, its condition often reflects the previous holder's challenges, requiring significant effort in the initial stages to restore the plot to a weed-free, workable state.

4. Do you provide all the necessary tools, including a free personal trowel to new members, and a shed or shared point for tool storage?
Plot holders bring their own tools based on their individual needs and requirements. Different allotments provide different facilities such as communal storage, individual shed storage, as well as provide free off-grid solar electricity for the use of power tools, and recharging mower and strimmers. To find out specifics of an allotments welcome pack, the requestor is advised to contact the Parish that has an allotment they would like to join.

5. Do you offer free training and classes from gardening experts, access to online courses and lessons, and host free community events and workshops in person for allotment members?
Plot holders are responsible for bringing their own tools according to their specific needs and preferences. Allotments may vary in the facilities they offer, which can include communal storage, individual shed storage, and access to free off-grid solar electricity for powering tools and recharging equipment such as mowers and strimmers. For detailed information regarding the facilities available at a particular allotment, including the welcome pack, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Parish associated with the allotment they wish to join.

6. Do you offer paid services such as weeding, watering, and edging, as well as paid products like composters, natural fertilisers, bean poles, and naming tags?
All paid services related to the allotment facility are managed by the Parish that owns the site. In many instances, the Parish’s grounds maintenance teams are responsible for tasks such as weeding, edging, and general reactive maintenance. Additionally, the Parish may utilise local resources for services such as naming tags and painting. However, the Parish prioritises coordinating voluntary communal work whenever possible.

7. Do you provide a support email and phone number for your allotment members, and is there a staff member present on site to help with queries and to tend communal areas?
Yes, each allotment provides support channels, and detailed information regarding these resources is included in the welcome pack provided to plot holders upon allocation by the local Parish.

8. Are there benches for the community within the allotment site, and are toilet facilities provided?
Each allotment site is equipped with its own furniture, including benches available for plot holders. Additionally, many sites offer waterless long drop toilet facilities; however, some locations are unable to accommodate these due to a high water table. It is important to note that most allotment sites do not have mains-fed toilet facilities.
The Parish encourages prospective plot holders to attend a site viewing before committing to a plot lease. During the viewing, it is recommended to inquire about the available facilities, including toilet options and on-site furniture.

9. Are there any restrictions on members having partners, family, and friends help and attend their allotment patch and is free parking provided on site for allotment members? Are bike locks available on the allotment site for members?
Allotment holders in Wokingham are generally allowed to have partners, family, and friends assist them with their allotment patch. However, it is recommended to check with the specific allotment site or Parish for any site-specific guidelines or restrictions, as policies can vary between locations.

Parking Availability: Free parking is typically provided on-site for allotment members. The availability and capacity of parking may vary depending on the specific allotment site, so it is advisable to confirm this with the Parish managing the site.

Bike Locks: While some allotment sites may provide bike locking facilities, this is not a standard feature across all locations. It is best to inquire directly with the specific allotment site or Parish to determine if bike locks are available on-site.
For precise details, please contact the relevant Parish office associated with your desired allotment site.

10. Do you provide an online community group for members to share their knowledge and experiences?
The majority of allotments within the Borough utilise WhatsApp and email communication to share knowledge, experiences, and updates on entertainment and events. These groups are typically organised at a local level and operate independently of the managing Parish. The Parish itself communicates important information, such as security updates, tips, and advice, directly to plot holders via email.