Allotments

Shown below is a list of the Councils allotment sites:

• Ancroft Road, Seaton Delaval – Map
• Baxter Terrace, Seaton Delaval – Map
• Beresford Road, Seaton Sluice – Map
• Dartford Close, Seaton Delaval – Map
• Dene Top, Seaton Sluice – Map
• Gloria Avenue, New Hartley – Map
• Hall Farm, Holywell – Map
• Memorial Playing Fields, New Hartley – Map
• Seaton Terrace, Seaton Delaval – Map
• Seghill Road, Seaton Delaval – Map
• Victoria Close, Seaton Delaval – Map
• West Terrace, Seaton Sluice – Map
• Coppergate, Holywell – Map

Coppergate in Holywell is under devolved management arrangements.  This means that a formally constituted allotment association leases the site from Seaton Valley Council, and reinvests the revenue it collects from rents on maintenance repairs and capital items.

Allotments Waiting List

We are currently accepting applications for allotment plots in Seaton Valley.

Please be aware that we only have a limited number of allotment plots currently available and we will allocate these to applicants based on your date of application and site preference.

We cannot guarantee when a plot will become available but your name will remain on the waiting list until we are able to allocate you a suitable allotment plot.

Allotment Application Forms are available below:

• Allotment Application Form (pdf version)
• Allotment Application Form (MS Word version)

You can request an application by post by phoning 0191 2379870 or application forms can be collected from our offices in Seaton Delaval.

Completed application forms should be returned to the Seaton Valley Council Offices in Seaton Delaval or emailed to:  admin@seatonvalleycommunitycouncil.gov.uk

Note:  You must be resident in Seaton Valley to apply for one of our allotment plots.

Lettings and Management Policy

In March 2021 a new Allotments Lettings and Management Policy was agreed by Council.

The policy is to clarify the respective roles and responsibilities of the council and its allotment tenants.

Allotments Lettings and Management Policy (March 2021)

Allotment Rents 2022/23

Our allotment plot rents are based on the size of the plot in square meters.  The current rents for 2022/23 are detailed below:

This means all bird keepers (whether they have pet birds, a commercial sized or a backyard flock) must be diligent in continuing to take effective and precautionary biosecurity measures including cleansing and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to non-essential people on their sites, and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering and when leaving bird enclosures.

Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents.

The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of Avian Flu with over 100 cases confirmed across the country since late October, including outbreaks in Northumberland.

In a joint statement, the four Chief Veterinary Officers said: “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.

“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets, who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter that we are in a position to take this action. However, the recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s vital that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”

For further advice

• If you keep captive birds such as poultry, including as pets, and you suspect avian influenza you must report this to DEFRA on 0300 0200301.
• Full guidance covering biosecurity requirements and other useful information go to https://nland.uk/advice

Read the full article at:  Northumberland County Council – Bird flu restrictions ending but be cautious

Useful tips on maintaining soil fertility

Fertile soil is essential for organic gardening. The soil needs to be managed so that the structure, fertility and living organisms in the soil are protected and developed.

To promote the soils fertility you can add manure and plant remains which will maintain the soils humus levels. This will feed the soil life which is essential for a healthy soil and provide plant nutrients. Green manures can be grown to protect and feed the soil. This keeps the cultivation at a minimum and avoids damaging the soil structure.

To maintain the soils fertility:

• Cover the soil with a green manure. This will protect the surface living organisms and the soil structure from damage by dry conditions, heavy rain or strong winds.
• Apply manure or plant wastes. Apply one wheelbarrow full of well-rotted manure or two of compost per 10 m sq of ground per year.
• Loosen the subsoil which will break up compaction
• Use a rotation system for annual plants.
• Cultivating the soil shouldn’t be carried out when the soil is too wet or too dry. Don’t mix the subsoil with topsoil. Cultivating the soil should be kept at a minimum to avoid damaging the soil structure.

Composting Bins

How do I start composting?  To get started, the first thing you will need to do is buy a home composting bin.

Northumberland County Council are working with getcomposting.com to offer residents a range of home compost bins, wormeries and accessories at special offer prices.  Order composting equipment online here.