First Steps
You’ve been shown a plot, likely chosen one, and once the signing-up process is complete with Richmond Council and you have a key, you’re good to go.
It’s now worth taking stock of the condition of the plot and what you find on it. We’ll walk over your plot with you to identify existing plants, answer your questions and give advice if you’d like it. The borders of your plot will also be clearly pointed out.
Recommended reading: The Vegetable & Herb Expert, Dr D. G. Hessayon
Helpful websites: allotment.org.uk and rhs.org.uk
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Lending a hand
The allotment has plenty of tasks that need monitoring, planning and managing, so we need people with a little time,…
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Who runs the site
This site is run by a committee, for the Markhole Allotment Association, on behalf of the London Borough of Richmond….
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On-site toilet
A new flushing toilet was installed in 2021. It’s cleaned by volunteers once a week, but toilet roll isn’t routinely…
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Paths
We all share the maintenance of the paths around the allotment to ensure that we can all get too and…
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Security
Lock the gates please! For your own security and the security of the site, all plot holders must close and lock…
Hatherop Road Allotments · Guide for new members
Welcome to Hatherop Road Allotments
Welcome to Hatherop Road Allotments. You’ve been shown a plot, likely chosen one, and once the signing-up process is complete with Richmond Council and you have a key, you’re good to go.
It’s now worth taking stock of the condition of the plot and what you find on it. We’ll walk over your plot with you to identify existing plants, answer your questions and give advice if you’d like it. The borders of your plot will also be clearly pointed out.
Recommended reading: The Vegetable & Herb Expert, Dr D. G. Hessayon.
Helpful websites: allotment.org.uk and rhs.org.uk.
Who runs the site
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.
Lending a hand
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.