THOUGHTS from our PRESIDENT

In my last "Thoughts" I talked about expanding influence; that is happening. We have inputs to the Draft West Edinburgh Local Plan and the Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme, both in the interests of allotments.

With our rising profile we have been approached with a view to developing a new private allotment site. We are also negotiating to obtain Landfill Tax grants. Various Deputations to Council Scrutiny Panels and the Executive has seen an agreement to another allotment site. See Sam's article. Our main influence continues to be development of the Allotment Strategy.

The Council has allocated more cash to the Capital Budget. To help decision making with the Council, contact your Site Representative with your "wish list" for your own site.

George Sutherland.

CULTIVATING COMMUNITIES

The Council's Department of Leisure & Culture plus FEDAGA and the Scottish Allotments & Gardens Society (SAGS) have been working for what seems an age on an allotments strategy for Edinburgh. This has already seen several drafts and is about to enter the Council's process. We hope "Cultivating Communities" will see the light of day later this year.

Why a strategy? Our concerns are: plot loss in the face of long waiting lists, sites in need of improvement and, despite provision being a legal obligation of Councils, allotments remaining a poor relation compared to other leisure activities in the city. The aim is to protect existing acreage and to add new sites. It will provide a fair and effective means of upgrading sites, improve management, promote benefits to individuals, communities and the environment, and explore additional funding. Improved communication, information and education are seen as important means of delivering the benefits of the strategy.

However, what we hope will guarantee its success is the formation of a partnership between the Council, FEDAGA, SAGS and other stakeholders, charged with the responsibility of implementing and monitoring the operation of the strategy.

Sandy Irvine.

IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS

As you dig your plot do you ever consider why we are allowed plots in the middle of a Capital City while others think they can make better use of the land and are willing to pay £50,000 and more for a standard sized plot? In the past 50 years many plotholders have not valued this privilege so that 120 sites have already been lost and now only about 30 remain.

One of FEDAGA's purposes is to ensure that our voice is heard when other interests threaten a site. As a Federation, we are the strongest in Scotland.

Gilbert Clark

CRAIGMILLAR CASTLE PARK

In February the Council agreed to a replacement for Hawkhill. Using the £130,000 from the Hawkhill sale, it will be in Craigmillar Castle Park, near Old Dalkeith Road & Lady Road, on the good bus route to the new Infirmary and with open views to Arthur's Seat.

After the long Hawkhill struggle, we welcome this new larger site, formerly Dickson's Market Garden. We will be involved in the design, which is likely to be innovative, and a model of good practice. On completion of the Strategy we hope that the planning will move ahead quickly.

Sam Murray

ANOTHER NEW SITE?

As already mentioned, there is the possibility of a new site in the north east of the city, an area with very few sites. We hope to have a three party (the owner, CEC and ourselves) meeting soon to explore the way forward. It is somewhere that I would love to have a plot. A gently sloping south-westerly aspect, tree shelter, a history of horticultural use and a size of about 12 plots. Don't expect early progress as the Council will have to find some money.

George Sutherland.

ALLOTMENTS and BIODIVERSITY

Prompted by Sam Murray's article, I decided to keep a Wildlife Diary of my allotment. Apart from being really interesting, enjoyable and adding another dimension to the time spent at my plot, I now have a good record of the beasties that benefit from my organic approach. I believe that allotments make a significant contribution to Biodiversity and that promoting this aspect is another way of safeguarding allotments.

Here are just some of the things recorded: rare butterflies, deer, 8 types of bee (I didn't realise that there were 8 before I started...), the ubiquitous fox, lots of different species of insects (ranging from the good to the bad and the downright nasty) and birds.

If you have the time and inclination, why not do the same? It doesn't take long and would help to build up a picture of allotment life across the city. Or, if you have children, why not encourage them to keep a diary, adding to their interest in coming to your plot while increasing their knowledge and appreciation of our environment? If you do decide to keep a diary you can get a record sheet from Bob Saville, Lothian Wildlife Information Centre, 0131- 554-6360. Please send a copy to FEDAGA.

Ali Black.

LANDFILL TAX BENEFITS

Most of us will know that there is a tax on each skip that goes into landfill. The other side of this coin is that some of this money is available to help fund projects to reduce landfill. It's all called "recycling". Now plotholders are the original "recyclers" as a visit to any site will soon show. FEDAGA is in negotiation to obtain some of this money to build compost & leaf mould bins, composting toilets and any other project where we can put up a good case.

George Sutherland.

SCOTTISH ALLOTMENTS SCHEME FOR THE UNEMPLOYED (SASU)

After an administrative hiccup.... vouchers for the scheme have been circulated to all 16 Edinburgh applicants from 4 sites (17 from 7 sites last year). To find more contact your Site Representative - forms are usually sent out in the autumn. The award is worth about £7.

Ali Black.

TRADING

King's Seed Catalogues are due to be sent to sites in August. There is a discount (usually 15%) on the list price and your Site gets commission on all orders placed. Make sure to get your catalogue. Orders can be placed individually or collectively from a site.

In September will come details of about 35 varieties of seed potatoes, onion sets and shallots. Again prices are exceedingly good and there is also a cash bonus to your Association.

The quality is excellent and the bonus can be spent any way that your Association decides - either on equipment or a blow-out on a barbecue. Join in and place your orders.

Tony Stanton.

ELECTRONIC FEDAGA

FEDAGA's Web site (www.fedaga.org.uk) is another resource now available. Currently, the Web site comprises: a Home page summarising what FEDAGA is and does; the Federation's Constitution; a News page; the Newsletters; a sites list and where they are; information for people on the waiting list; news about the Flower Show; access to FEDAGA's seed exchange scheme and links to other useful Web sites. There is also access to "When Plotters Meet", a thesis on Edinburgh's allotments by Caitlin DeSilvey, a former geography student at Edinburgh University. Although it's a very simple Web site at the moment, the intention is to build it up gradually. The next development might be to incorporate more visual material such as a photographic record of sites and what plotholders do. If there is a keen photographer out there who might consider such a project, please get in touch. Maggie Rodan.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM will be held on 22 October 2002 in the Dean Parish Church Hall at 19:30. The meeting will decide major areas of influence and plans for the year ahead. A new Executive Committee will be appointed to see these decisions through.

Your Association can play a vital role but needs to be represented at the AGM. In August I will circulate the Draft Agenda inviting sites to add their bit. Please discuss openly at your Association meetings. Then decide who your representative will be. Finally, ensure that they attend and report back to you. In recent years a good number of Associations have not been represented - and that is unhealthy. You can change that - please do!

Tony Stanton.