Any comments you think may be useful? (Question 14) (Objective 2.13)

This final question on the main survey sheet gave plot-holders the opportunity to add or clarify any aspects they felt had not been fully covered or explained in the other questions. The data provided was qualitative, with just under 20% of respondents completing this question. It highlighted a few trends in opinion. For example, some people used this opportunity to provide more details on some of the species they enjoyed seeing on their allotment site, whilst others used it to point out species they considered to be a ‘pest’ (see Table 2.5). Others made neutral comments about the previous plot’s history or

Table 2.5 Sample of responses to Q14: Please use this box to add any

comments you think may be useful.

Negative wildlife statements Neutral/mixed statements Positive wildlife statements

As an allotment holder for over 30 yrs; I find that traditional gardening assists wildlife and many so called organic gardeners with the misplaced ideas destroy allotments and cause a poor environment for wildlife.

We have only had this allotment a few months and it was allowed to become very overgrown by previous tenant. We are just clearing it at the moment really but hope to have a couple of raised beds in by April-ish! Lots of fruit bushes on it.

For your info: enjoy the wildlife around the allotments, mainly various kinds of birds, also we have a family of foxes around the allotments and enjoy seeing them around, especially when the new ones arrive. Although a few of the allotment holders don't like them around & householders which back on to the allotments.

More involvment from the council - more of an effort to let plots - vacant plots should be cultivated - at present they are left to return to natural state - is this a ploy to attract wildlife? It certaily does not attract clients. Are you glad you asked!!

The person who had the plot before me operated a no-dig system for raised beds, which I am continuing for at least the 1st year. The council deposit leaves every autumn which are v. beneficial for compost.

Although my plot(s) are mainly for vegetables, I am constructing a wildlife pond and planting shrubs to provide shelter for creatures. I leave some grass long for the grasshoppers etc, and grow companion plants to encourage pollinators. I found an Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillar summer before last.

These allotments were purely designed to grow vegetables and I tend to get upset when I see allotment holders using a least half of their plot for flowers.

If the rubbish bins were cleared on a more regular basis and people prevented from tipping household rubbish on their allotments, the whole area would be more environmentally friendly for man and beast!!

We have seen much more wildlife in our garden than the allotment, although we have seen owls, a hedgehog, birds of prey occasionally. N.B. My wife is the main allotment worker, so I would pass you on to her if further research needed.

Am surrounded by unkempt plots, = more weeds and slugs.

I've been on these plots 51 yrs; Hon Sec for 34 yrs until 1992.

We have a spare allotment maintained as a bird sanctuary.

I try to keep wildlife off my allotment e.g. rabbits, moles, cats, pigeons, cabbage white butterflies, mice, rats.

I have worked my plot for 41 years but over the last few years theft and vandalism have tended to put me off but I will carry on.

Very interested in wildlife although I have only had my plot less than a year, it is very intersting to notice the diversity of wildllife in such a small area.

The problem is to control the detrimental (to gardeners) aspect of wildlife - Moles, Rabbits, Slugs, snails and birds on the fruit.

I won the best newcomer award 2 years ago but unfortunately I may not be able to spend as much time this year due to work and family commitments.

I would like to garden organic. I attract wildlife like hedgehogs (to eat slugs & snails) and not use any pesticides. Now I have retired from work I will find the time to strim the path edges & stop using weedkiller. I also will probably put some nesting boxes up for small birds.

In Q12 you ask how imp wildlife is on site .very imp. But probably not in way you think; rabbits devastate our crops as birds do. I have a lot of toads; is this good or bad?

A bit more help from the council, on site maintenance would be appreciated by everyone on site.

I am very careful when spraying to limit the danger to wildlife and especially if ladybirds are present. I also appreciate that slugs etc may be a source of food to certain wildlife - I am extremely bird friendly and assist the RSPB with home surveys etc.

The site at present is infested by rabbits, pigeons, doves and moles/rats making the growing of produce very difficult.

My wife and I gain great satisfaction from having an allotment.

I believe that there is not much point in having an allotment if you are going to spray it all with pesticides. I try to garden responsibly so there is a balance of crops, wildlife and good soil. I would use pesticides on flowers on a small scale, if the problem was really severe, at home; but never on plants for human consumption. Also, always try to use organic or alternative pest control.