When do you inspect the allotments?

We undertake three formal inspections yearly. We also do spot checks and additional inspections if problems arise.

We are unable to tell you the exact date of our next inspections as schedules and weather conditions can change at short notice. Keep an eye on the top of this page for the approximate dates of our next inspections.

Is there water available on site? 

Yes, each site has water points available to plot holders. The water supply is turned off over the winter but is available between April the 1st and September the 30th. 

We encourage plot-holders to collect rainwater from the roofs of sheds and greenhouses wherever possible. 

Please note that the tap water on the allotments is not safe to drink.  

Can I have a bonfire on my plot?

Bonfires are permitted between the 1st of October and 30th of April only. Bonfires must be supervised and must be fully extinguished before you leave your plot.

Please refer to our 'Allotment Rules and Regulations' for full details about holding a bonfire on your plot. 

Who is responsible for the paths around my plot?

You are responsible for maintaining a minimum of a 2ft pathway all around your plot. This includes behind any structures positioned on the edge of your plot and between your plot and any boundary hedges. 

Special consideration should be given to the position of fruit trees so that they do not overhang these pathways. 

Where your boundary pathway is shared with another plot holder, you are jointly responsible for maintaining it. Please work together. 

The Council, will cut the grass on the wider  communal routes and parking and drop off zones.

Who is responsible for the hedges next to my plot?

You are responsible for the maintenance of any hedgerow which runs adjacent to your plot. This includes keeping it from encroaching on your plot or any boundary path.

When undertaking hedge works, observe the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. 

Do not dispose of green waste or any other waste in the hedge line.

We will manage any large trees in the boundary line of the allotment site and any hedgerows adjacent to the main communal pathways and parking zones. Please note that Tree Preservation Orders protect some of these trees.

What do I do if I don't get on with my neighbour?

Conflict is, unfortunately, a part of life, and it is no different on an allotment. Try your best to get on with and work with your neighbour, and try not to tend your allotment plot in a way which adversely affects others. Remember, there are a lot of different growing styles.

If you find your relationship with your neighbour is no longer tenable, please let us know, and we will do our best to assist you in moving to another plot. 

If your neighbour becomes threatening or abusive, please report this to us immediately. We run a zero-tolerance policy on abusive behaviour. 

What do I do if I want to erect a shed, greenhouse, polytunnel, etc? 

Before you erect a structure on your plot, give us a call or email and let us know. We need to register structures against your account, and they must not be larger than a certain size (you will find the sizes in our Allotment Rules and Regulations). 

Can I compost my kitchen or garden waste on my allotment? 

No. We encourage the composting of green waste generated from your allotment on-site, but we do not permit the composting of domestic or garden waste on your plot.  Kitchen waste attracts rats and other pests.

Can I keep part of my plot wild? 

Yes, but the area left wild must be contained and well-managed. Wild areas should not negatively affect your neighbours, and seeding weeds and grasses must be kept in check.  Remember, your plot boundaries must still be maintained. 

When does the Allotment Tenancy Year begin?

The Allotment Tenancy Year runs from the first of October until the 30th of September

Can I have a BBQ on my allotment? 

No, BBQs are not permitted on any of our allotments. If you are using gas canisters for portable camping stoves, please ensure you take them away with you each day and do not leave them on your plot or in your shed.

How long can I keep my allotment?

As long as you are maintaining your plot and paying your fees, you can keep your plot. Some of our allotmenteers have been tending their plot for 20 years! 

Can I use carpet as a weed suppressant?  

No, carpet and old underlay are prohibited items.

Can I use weed killers and pesticides?

Yes, but we ask you to be sparing and consider your neighbours who may be growing fruit and vegetables organically, as well as our struggling ecosystems.  Please do your research before using these chemicals.

Can I use a hosepipe? 

Yes, but do not use them for extended periods of time as this is expensive, not good for the environment and unfair to your neighbours who may also want to use the water tap.

Hosepipes must not be left attached to the water supply when not in use and must be stored on your plot.

Hosepipe use is not permitted during hosepipe bans.

We encourage the collection of rainwater instead wherever possible. 

 Can I keep chickens on my allotment?

You are allowed to keep chickens on your allotment, but you must apply to the Council beforehand, There are very strict rules about the keeping of chickens on the allotments.

You will find the application form and chicken-keeping rules in Appendix 2 of our Allotment Rules and Regulations. 

Before you decide to keep chickens, please consider the following:

• The allotments only have running water available for half of the year.
• Can you attend the allotments every single day, come rain or shine, to meet their needs?
• Who will be your nominated contact to take responsibility for them if you are away or unwell?
• How will you dispose of their waste?

Can I plant trees on my plot?

Yes and No. Fruit trees are permitted, but they must be dwarf rootstock or Cordon or Espalier trees. All fruiting trees must be kept below 8ft in height and must not overhang or obstruct boundary paths. 

Windfall fruit must be collected as soon as possible to minimise the risk of pests.

Ornamental or non-fruit-producing trees are not permitted on allotment plots. 

Do not plant your old Christmas tree on your plot!

Can I create a pond on my allotment plot?

Yes, you can, but it must be small, visible, positioned away from the edge of your plot and made using a hard pond liner of some sort.

Can I keep bees on my allotment plot? 

No, regretfully, we do not permit the keeping of bees on our allotment plots for safety reasons. 

Can I bring my dog to the allotment?

Yes, dogs are permitted on your allotment plot but must be kept on a short lead and under control at all times.

What do you do if you are unable to attend your plot for a prolonged period of time? 

You are responsible for ensuring your plot remains well maintained and does not cause a nuisance to your neighbours even when you cannot get to the allotments.

An allotment left unattended for even a couple of weeks during the growing season can become overwhelming to get back under control. Many people who expect to be away for an extended period lay weed suppressant membrane down so it is easier when they return.

That said, we understand that life can present some unexpected challenges from time to time. If you are due to be away, you are unwell, or you are unable to visit the allotments for any other reason, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make a note. We will support you and make allowances where we can.

What to do in an emergency? 

If someone is unwell or injured on their plot and requires a medical professional, please call 999.

Please refer to the allotment noticeboards for the location of the nearest defibrillator or bleed control kit.

Please call Axminster Town Council immediately for all other urgent but non-life-threatening issues relating to the allotment sites, such as a fallen tree, a burst water pipe or a stray polytunnel

What to do if you do not find the answer to your question here?

If you have any other questions about the Allotments, please get in touch. 

Email: enquiries@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

Phone: 01297 32088

In-person: Town Council Office, Axminster Guildhall, EX13 5NX.

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm.