COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT- CASTLEROCK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT- CASTLEROCK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
The Community Garden is the title given to a project to;
• Redevelop the Association’s Polytunnel at the Hezlett House and make it more accessible
• Promote gardening and growing skills by way of a Workshop Programme – ‘Gardening Through The Year In A Polytunnel.
Castlerock Community Association have invested some of their own funds in the project along with a sum secured from the Public Health Agency.
The Association have adopted the following Guiding Principles and believe that;
• Gardening can contribute to improved mental health and well – being
• All Polytunnel users have a right to participate in an environment that is safe, inclusive and where all feel respected, valued and that there is a shared sense of belonging and community.
• Plot holders within the Polytunnel are encouraged to participate and be prepared to share knowledge and assistance.
A .THE POLYTUNNEL
What Will The Redeveloped Association Polytunnel Comprise?
The redeveloped Polytunnel will comprise;
• 12 new plots in raised beds, (NB, 2 of the 12 plots are assigned to the National Trust and a further 2 are designed and designated for persons with limited mobility) – up to 10 plots are available for applicants in accordance with the Guiding Principles and Eligibility Criteria set out below.
• Gardening Equipment store and table for potting use.
• Social area with table and chairs, (NB At certain times of the year the Association may utilise this area for the purpose of Village Beautiful and associated activities).
• Watering facilities are shared with the adjoining National Trust Polytunnel.
Part 1: How Do I Apply For A Plot In The Polytunnel?
Please read the Eligibility criteria set out below and if your circumstances make you eligible then please complete the Application Form below.
Eligibility:
a) The Polytunnel is for the use of residents of Castlerock village and its immediate environs, (e.g. within 1 mile of the village settlement of Castlerock)
b) 1st preference for those seeking a plot within the Polytunnel is for those people who currently do not rent an allotment from the National Trust on the Hezlett House site.
c) The creation of two new additional plots to make 12 in total enables these new plots to be prioritised for residents as above in (a) who the Committee may determine the fee be reduced or waivered
Application Form: Community Garden Project 5 Oct 2020
To apply for a plot within the new, redeveloped Polytunnel please read the Polytunnel Licence Agreement and the accompanying Code of Conduct, (see below), and then complete the attached Application Form and return it before 28th October to;
Castlerock Community Association
Community & Visitor Information Centre
2A Circular Road
Castlerock
BT51 4XA
Winter Opening Hours for the centre are: Wed, Thur ,Fri & Sat -11am to 3pm*
(* Subject to availability of volunteers)
Or put it into the post-box to the right of the centre’s door, marked 2A by 28th October.
All applications for plots will be considered by the Community Association Committee and applicants and it would be our intention to advise all applicants by 25th November as to the Committees decision in respect to the allocation of Plots.
Fees:
The fee for a CCA Plot within the Polytunnel for the period 1st Nov 20- 30th Oct 2021 is £15.
Fees are payable to Castlerock Community Association at the time of signing the Polytunnel Licence Agreement, (Annex A).
Part 2: Polytunnel Licence Agreement
All those who are offered the opportunity to rent a plot within the Association’s Polytunnel will be required to;
a) Sign a Polytunnel Licence Agreement (Annex A)
b) Comply with the Polytunnel Code of Conduct (Annex B)
Part 3: Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct sets out for those who are issued a Polytunnel Licence Agreement, (please see Annex A), the minimum operating requirements.
B. WORKSHOP PROGRAMME-‘ A YEAR OF GARDENING IN A POLYTUNNEL’
‘A Year of Gardening In A Polytunnel’ is a Workshop Education Programme designed to encourage people to learn a new skill or revive a previous hobby and make best use of the redeveloped Association’s Polytunnel.
Commencing on Saturday 7th November at 11am, the workshop programme will run on a series of Saturday mornings and will be delivered by Don Kerr, National Trust Gardener and cover such topics as;
• Soil preparation, plant and seed selection
• Plant maintenance and growing across the year
There will be no charge for the workshops and places will be limited to ensure the environment is “COVID Compliant” as required at the time.
Are You Interested in Having Access To A Plot In The Redeveloped Community Association Polytunnel & or The Workshop Programme ‘A Year of Gardening In A Polytunnel’?
To apply for either a Plot in the Polytunnel and/or the Workshop Programme please complete the Application Form and return it before 28th October to;
Castlerock Community Association
Community & Visitor Information Centre
2A Circular Road
Castlerock
BT51 4XA
Winter Opening Hours for the Community & Visitor Information Centre are: Wed, Thur, Fri & Sat -11am to 3pm* (* Subject to availability of volunteers)
Or put it into the post-box to the right of the centre’s door, marked 2A by 28th October.
Applications for Plots :will be considered by the Community Association Committee and applicants and it would be our intention to advise all applicants by 25th November as to the Committees decision.
Applications for a place on the Workshop Programme: applicants will be notified by phone call or e. mail by 5pm on Mon 2nd Nov as to the outcome of their application.
(Annex B) POLYTUNNEL CODE OF CONDUCT – CASTLEROCK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
The Code of Conduct sets out for those who are issued a Licence, (see Annex A), for use of the CCA Polytunnel both the Guiding Principles and the Minimum Operating Requirements.
Guiding Principles:
As a community association we believe that;
• Gardening can contribute to improved mental health and well – being
• All Polytunnel users have a right to participate in an environment that is safe, inclusive and where all feel respected, valued and that there is a shared sense of belonging and community.
• Plot holders within the Polytunnel are encouraged to participate and be prepared to share knowledge and assistance.
Minimum Operating Requirements:
1.Social Distancing: During the current pandemic the requirements in operation at the time in respect to Social Distancing and all matters relating to the COVID Pandemic must be maintained at all times.
2.Community Ethos: Plot holders within the Polytunnel are encouraged to participate and be prepared to share knowledge and assistance to other plot holders.
3.Conservation: Plots shall be cultivated in an environmentally friendly manner making best use of organic methods, ( NB the use of pesticides is not permitted).
4.Maintenance of Plot: Please ensure that your plot is;
a) Utilised only for recreational purposes including the growing of vegetables, flowers and fruit, ( NB. commercial cultivation is not permitted).
b) Kept in a neat and tidy condition throughout the year. The depositing of rubbish/materials on and vacant plots or within the Polytunnel is not permitted.
c) The removal of any crops from another plot or materials from a vacant plot are not permitted.
d) Any diseased plants/seedlings must be removed asap to avoid spread and contamination to other users and taken off site for disposal.
e) At the end of the season it is very important that all dead plants are removed from the plot/Polytunnel and taken off site for disposal.
5.Equipment: Where equipment is provided by the Association it is for the sole use of those permitted to utilise the Polytunnel and it must not be loaned out or removed from the site.
6.Car Park: Access to the site is via the designated entrances and the car park is in the ownership of the National Trust who lock the gates outside of their normal operating hours. The overnight parking of cars or trailers is not permitted.
7.Tenancy: A Polytunnel Licence Agreement, (see Annex A), will be issued to all those allocated a plot within the Polytunnel and;
a) It will be valid for a period of 12 months from the date of issue.
b) The Polytunnel Licence Agreement will be renewed subject to compliance with the above Code of Conduct and payment of the required fee at the time of renewal.
c) The sub- letting of plots by a Polytunnel Licence holder is not permitted.
BC
3rd Oct 20
