Irrigation
Longbarrow Water Policy
In about 1996 Bournemouth Council approached us, Longbarrow Allotments Assn, and suggested we took over the management of the site. (It must be realised that the “site” is not our present one but located approx. ½ mile away within the area of the Townsend housing estate.)
When we did the “sums” it was obvious that the one unknown issue would be the cost of water.
Following the completion of negotiations with the Council an E.G.M. was called and the issues put to plotholders.
It was agreed that we would take over the management of the plots and the use of hosepipes would be banned.
A new committee was elected to run the business of the association. Rents have been kept low thanks to the prudent stewardship of finances by the committee and officers.
The ban on hosepipes did not appear to have a detrimental effect on crops, especially when, in 1999, we moved to our present site and the number of standpipes and dip tanks increased to approx. one every four plots.
The stipulation that existed on the old site regarding the ban on sheds was perpetuated at our new site. This has the effect that we are unable to catch and store water, therefore all irrigation must come from taps.
As said earlier the ban on hosepipes has not had a detrimental effect on the health of crops. I am convinced the reason for this is because, when all water has to be carried, it is not wasted but applied directly to the roots of plants.
Most plotholders do not waste time, energy and water irrigating plants that can manage without additional water, e.g. brasica plants are “watered in” but after that are left to their own devices.
I do not see a situation where the hosepipe ban can be relaxed, indeed a glance round the site would confirm there is no necessity to do so.
Peter Whiting
Chairman
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