Allotments

If a member of the public comes across a dead wild bird, they are asked to report it to DEFRA on 03459 335577 (select option 7) and not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds. Providing good location information for a dead or diseased bird is particularly important and location apps such as ‘what3words’, references can be very helpful.

UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers and it does not affect the consumption of poultry or eggs.

Bird keepers are also advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, report suspected disease immediately and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.

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 about avian influenza, including the main clinical signs to look out for, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu. Bird keepers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these details.

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

Our Allotments Waiting List is full and we are currently not accepting any new applications.

We will advertise on our website and social media accounts when we are accepting new applications.

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)

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.