Frequently Asked Questions
Lock the gates please!
For your own security and the security of the site, all plot holders must close and lock the gates every time they come in or go out.
This site is run by a committee, for the Markhole Allotment Association, on behalf of the London Borough of Richmond. The association pays for ongoing costs — acquisitions, capital developments, maintenance, improvements, running the site and some non-fundraising events.
The Council pays for water and the cost of maintaining the perimeter fence. We encourage every plotholder to become a member of the association for a £10 annual subscription. These subs are one of the main sources of income for the association.
Markhole Allotment Association asks that each plotholder contribute £10 each year toward management of the Hatherop Road Allotment site. These subscriptions are our chief form of income and are vital for covering the daily running costs of our site.
You can pay each year using one of the quick methods below:
Bank Transfer: Please use the bank details below. Crucial: Include your name and plot number as the reference so we can update our records.
Name: Markhole Allotment Association
Sort code: 30-98-79
A/C number: 02535368
Reference: <Your Last Name> <Plot Number>
Card Payment: Look out for a committee member with the SumUp app or machine:
- Mike (Plot 106)
- Katrina & Chris (Plot 102)
- Ellie (Plot 59)
- Chris D (Plot 31)
Cash is still accepted although we are trying to move away from this as a form of payment.
Coming soon… To help make things simpler in the future, we are working on introducing a handy payment QR code on-site soon.
It happens, we all lose things now and then. If you’ve lost your allotment keys please follow these steps:
- Let the committee know via allotments.markhole@gmail.com
- Submit a request for a new key through the council page found here
This site is run by a committee, for the Markhole Allotment Association, on behalf of the London Borough of Richmond. The association pays for ongoing costs — acquisitions, capital developments, maintenance, improvements, running the site and some non-fundraising events.
The Council pays for water and the cost of maintaining the perimeter fence. We encourage every plotholder to become a member of the association for a £10 annual subscription. These subs are one of the main sources of income for the association.
The allotment has plenty of tasks that need monitoring, planning and managing, so we need people with a little time, interest and varied experience to keep the site running. Without this input the site would very soon cease to operate. We’re always on the lookout for plotholders with a little spare time who have ideas or energy (preferably both) and would like to help keep the site attractive, safe and enjoyable.
Various roles either exist (or can be created!) to suit anyone who wants to be part of the team. The committee are all volunteers — there are no paid positions — and people give as much or as little time as they’re comfortable with. Some plotholders want to find out more about what the committee does; others simply take part in the regular working parties or social events. All of it helps. If nothing else, just joining in and making sure everyone feels welcome is a big contribution.
Get involved!
Any offers of extra help will always be welcomed. Please get in touch at allotments.markhole@gmail.com or speak to any committee member.
The three main ways to dig (or cultivate) your plot are called hand-dig, rotovate, and no-dig. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are outlined here.
Available for £1 per wheelbarrow load. It’s best mixed with green waste in a compost heap to help it break down. It can also be spread over vacant ground as a mulch during winter to suppress weeds before being dug in come spring.
You can pay via SumUp with a committee member or bank transfer (use your plot number as a reference).
Lloyds Bank
Name: Markhole Allotment Association
Sort code: 30-98-79
A/C number: 02535368
Reference: <Your Last Name> <Plot Number>
A new flushing toilet was installed in 2021. It’s cleaned by volunteers once a week, but toilet roll isn’t routinely provided so it’s best to bring your own. If you’d like to join the cleaning rota, please contact a committee member. Please leave the toilet as you’d like to find it.
The toilet light switch also turns on the fan — please switch the light OFF after use. If left on, the fan will burn out and it uses up electricity the association pays for, which means the toilet ends up with no light or fan.
Children are not allowed to use the toilet unsupervised. Please don’t let children play here or use it without a parent.
Note: the toilet is closed during winter due to the risk of pipes freezing.