Allotment Rules
Ditchling Horticultural Society (DHS) Allotment’s Annual Tenancy Agreement
1st Jan’ 2025 – 31st Dec 2025
The Tenancy Agreement and Annexes is a contract made between you and the DHS, outlining what is expected from both parties. It is important to read the tenancy agreement carefully before signing, as breaking the contract may result in the society issuing you with notice.
Ownership and Management
- The allotments are the property of Ditchling Horticultural Society (DHS)
- Allotment plot allocation and the day-to-day management of the allotments are the responsibility of the Allotments Committee, which is appointed annually by Allotment Secretary, who is appointed by the DHS Committee. The Allotments Committee reports to the DHS Committee.
- Allotment tenants must be paid members of the DHS
- Tenancy agreements and rents commence from 1st January and finish 31st December each year. If an allotment tenancy commences mid-year, it will run to 31st December and renew annually thereafter, with a new tenancy agreement being signed each year
- Failure to comply with the tenancy agreement (including cultivation and maintenance of the plot) will render the allotment tenant liable for eviction, the process of which will be: issuance of an initial warning letter, followed by a final warning, followed by a notice to quit
- The following will not be tolerated, and will result in immediate eviction from the allotments, without notice:
- any form of threatening behaviour, harassment or assault
- damage to, theft of, or interference with other tenants’ plots or property, including produce
- damage to or interference with householders’ property bordering the site
- Any complaints, concerns or ideas regarding the allotments should be made, in the first instance, to the allotment secretary using the email address ditchlingallotments@gmail.com.
- Allotment plots are leased to tenants at an annual rent which is defined by the DHS Committee, which is non-refundable even on early termination of the tenancy (i.e. before 31st December)
- All allotment tenants pay a basic charge for a plot, plus an additional charge which is calculated using a rate per square metre.
- Rental rate reviews take place ahead of the November AGM and rents may be revised at that time.
- Allotment tenants are responsible for cultivating and maintaining their plot throughout the year.
- Allotment plots are intended for the cultivation of edible produce, or a combination of edible produce and flowers, and for personal consumption/use only (i.e. not for retail purposes)
- Cultivation means the plot needs to be planted, cropped, harvested, or in the process of being prepared. I.e. it is not enough to keep your plot clear of weeds, but then to leave it unplanted.
- Plots cannot be all flowers or just planted with 1 type of crop
- Small fruit trees may be grown, but should not be allowed to exceed 3 meters (10ft) in height at any time of the year
- It is the responsibility of the allotment tenant to keep their plot and path edges neat and tidy. Non-cultivated areas, paths within the plot or areas at the edges of the plot where sheds or compost bins are kept must be well maintained and tidy. Any grass on the plot must be kept cut to avoid it going to seed and spreading to nearby plots.
- Each allotment tenant is responsible for the disposal of their own rubbish, away from the allotments site. Large amounts of any type of rubbish should not be allowed to accumulate anywhere on the site.
- The main grass paths will be maintained by a contractor on behalf of the Allotment Committee, the cost of which is included in the annual rental charges. Only the main paths are cut, and this is dependent on the growing season. The contractor does not cut right to the edge of the plot to avoid damaging tenants’ produce. It is up to the allotment tenant to maintain the edges of their plot and keep these tidy.
- The outer hedges along the east and west boundaries of the site will be maintained by a contractor on behalf of the Allotments Committee, the cost of which is included in the annual rental charges. The contractor in some cases may need access to your plot, and for equipment next to the hedge to be moved out of the way. Notice will be given when they are due to attend. Allotment tenants with plots which have a hedge border must maintain their section of the inside of the hedge, up to head height.
- Twice a year, once during the growing season and once in the winter months, the Allotments Committee inspects all allotments (but reserves the right to inspect allotments at any time during the year if the need arises).
- If an allotment tenant finds that their circumstances change and they cannot manage their plot, they should let the allotment secretary know and options can be discussed.
- It is the responsibility of the allotment tenant to ensure that alternative arrangements are made to ensure that the plot is not neglected, even in difficult circumstances. However, there are several sources of support available to tenants.
- It is expected that when a tenant vacates their plot it is left in an acceptable state for the incoming tenant. Vacating tenants must make arrangements to meet this obligation, even if they are not able to do the work themselves.
- As a community it is up to all tenants to contribute towards keeping the whole allotment site to a safe and reasonable standard.
- In order to help with keeping rents as low as possible, plot holders are requested to volunteer throughout the year for allotment tidy ups and/or light maintenance activities. Notice of these tidy up events will be given in advance by the allotment secretary.
- Children under 12 years must always be accompanied by an adult.
- Dogs (including assistance dogs) are permitted on site provided:
- they are kept on a lead at all times, no exceptions
- they are restricted to their owner’s plot
- their behaviour does not cause a nuisance or present a problem or worry for other plot holders
- they are prevented from urinating or defecating on any areas of the allotments other than the tenant’s own plot, and dog’s mess is bagged and immediately removed from the allotment site
- No animals shall be kept on the allotments
- No constructions e.g. sheds shall be erected without the consent of the Allotments Committee. No glasshouses shall be erected nor any building involving foundations, bricks, concrete etc, Any construction for storing garden tools or compost should not exceed 1.50 meters (5’) in height
- Legal horticultural chemicals may be used on allotment plots. Any chemicals used should preferably be stored at home and only brought to the allotments as and when required. Pesticides in particular must never be stored at the allotments under any circumstances and must be currently approved for amateur use and not have any access restrictions attached to their use.
- There are to be NO FIRES on the allotments site unless organised by the Allotments Committee
- No water hoses may be used at any time
- The last person to leave the site must ensure that the gate they enter and leave by is locked when they leave. If others are still on the site when leaving, tenants are expected to liaise with each other as to who will lock the gate. If on leaving the site a tenant is unsure as to whether or not anyone else is still on site, they should lock the gate.
- Keys, which fit the padlocks on both gates and the communal shed, are issued to allotment tenants, 1 key per plot. There will be a charge for replacing lost keys.
- All persons entering the allotment site do so at their own risk.
- No items should left unattended in a way which could cause injury to others.
- Equipment is left on the plot at the owner’s risk. Any communal tools must be returned to the communal shed and locked away when finished with.
- Members will be regularly kept informed by the Allotment Secretary on any updates by phone message or email.
- The Society AGM is held in November when, amongst other Ditchling Horticultural Society agenda items, the Allotments report is given, and notice of any forthcoming changes to rules, rental fees, and committee renewals are discussed. Allotment tenants are encouraged to come along to raise any issues of concern and to be kept informed of wider DHS updates.