i was thinking of getting an allotment on hagg house, on the left hand side as you go up hagg hill from riverlin, i was wondering if there are anyone else on there because everytime i drive past i never see anyone,
i have recieved maps this morning and it says about 6 are under offer, but there is 85 vacant,
does anyone on here have one up there?
Dont wanna be on my lone some up there lol :(

D :)

Hi Dee

I have just got an allotment on the Hagg House site, (No. 43) and there are quite a few taken on my 'row'. I have regularly seen people on 15,16,17 and 18 and I know that 53 and 54 will be taken up quite soon.

Am afraid I cant say what the rest of the site is like, but when we went wandering around looking for a good plot, it seemed fairly quiet except for the top row by Bole Hill Lane.

It can feel a bit isolated at the moment, but there have always been a few others about at the few weekends I have been there. Also, more and more of the plots are being taken up and there were a few people walking around with maps at the weekend, so do hurry!!

Happy Hunting :)

Dan

hi dan, thanks for the reply,
i was looking at the site's round where yours is, i'll have to pop over and take a look at some,
and then go down to the office and sign for it, quicker than posting lol

is it all for gardening on hagg house or do some people have any animals like the ones up shirecliffe?

thanks
david! :)

Ah, Hagg House is obviously the place to be these days - sorry mc55 ;)

We have no 18, since the beginning of September. They're a bit daunting at first and I'd recommend a decent pair of gloves for cutting down the blackberries. Yes it is quiet but it's a quiet time of year now and you can see that quite a few are being worked on - 16, 17, 18 and 43 (bizarrely next to 18 ) have all been taken in the last few months on our row and as Dan says there are quite a few people looking around for vacant plots at weekends. The best way to get the plot you want is to ring from the actual site and they will reserve it for a couple of weeks, that way you know it is free without having to go back and find another one... Speaks from experience :)

I don't know of anyone keeping animals on the site now, but they obviously have in the past - ours had an old hen house and lots of chicken wire around the borders. You'll need to ask the allotment office about it. Good luck,

Rob

hi rob, cheers for the info,
ive talked to the allotment officer, and i can have livestock if i wanted,
prob get a few chickens :) early next year,
hopefully i should have an allotment for this weekend yay!

thanks

Hi Dan/Dee

Come and say hi if you're down this weekend - we're on 17 and hoping to be down on Sat or Sunday if the weather is good and health is up to it (just got out of hospital but the allotment is calling!). I've just heard from the allotments office that the water is being turned off from this week until March, to fix the leaks, so hopefully it will be less of a quagmire next to the tap stump, which I think is around 18/43?, so hopefully you're not washed out!

Vicky & Tim

Hi,

Will be down there at the weekend weather providing, so will pop in to say hi if you are there. Hope your recovery is going well enough for you to get time on your allotment. The fresh air and scenic views ( I love the view of the tree tops of Rivelin valley) should help!

The tap which is on the 'path' between 43 and 44 has been turned off already and although we weren't too affected by the water, it is nice that we can't hear it continually, it was a bit annoying :mad:

Here's looking forward to a sunny (but no doubt cold) weekend!

Dan

I've just emailed the council and asked them to send me maps for Hagg House. How easy is it to get a plot sorted and how long does the council take with paperwork? Just wondering what our chances were of getting somewhere sorted and cleared out in time for spring veg planting.

I've just emailed the council and asked them to send me maps for Hagg House. How easy is it to get a plot sorted and how long does the council take with paperwork? Just wondering what our chances were of getting somewhere sorted and cleared out in time for spring veg planting.

It's the council, so think 2nd class post :)

As far as I know there are plenty of plots left. They are all a bit daunting as it's been sometime since they've been taken on and quite few have large trees on them. Once you have decided on one, ring the allotment office and they will 'reserve' it for you for a couple of weeks to give you time to get the first form in. They will then send you the tenancy agreement which you sign and get witnessed, and then send back. Then it's yours! If you are really keen you could take it to the allotment office to save a few days, but then you'd need a witness for the tenancy and not sure if they could do that.

Of course whether you'd get the allotment fully sorted for spring planted is another matter altogether! Digging the roots of the blackberries, nettles, etc is a long job...

Rob

It's the council, so think 2nd class post :)

As far as I know there are plenty of plots left. They are all a bit daunting as it's been sometime since they've been taken on and quite few have large trees on them. Once you have decided on one, ring the allotment office and they will 'reserve' it for you for a couple of weeks to give you time to get the first form in. They will then send you the tenancy agreement which you sign and get witnessed, and then send back. Then it's yours! If you are really keen you could take it to the allotment office to save a few days, but then you'd need a witness for the tenancy and not sure if they could do that.

Of course whether you'd get the allotment fully sorted for spring planted is another matter altogether! Digging the roots of the blackberries, nettles, etc is a long job...

Rob

Thanks for the advice Rob,
I may pop down one weekend see what the lay of the land is! Sounds like hard work which is good cos I could do with the exercise. :thumbsup:

Hi Ptraci

It took me about two weeks from getting the map to owning the plot. The council people (or Bob as he appears to be called!) are fairly good although there are a couple of forms to go back and forth (as Rob explained).

However, we have had our plot for about three weeks and can only just say that we have cleared it to the ground. I imagine we are in for quite a few more busy weekends to get it to a state where we might be able to plant stuff :(

But it is good fun and very good exercise, (well it hurts at least) and Hagg House is a particuarly great location to be outdoors. The view over Rivelin valley is lovely.

God luck finding a plot,
Dan

hiya everyone, just took over two allotment plots on hagg house, (finally)
must say i got quite a bit cleared, even tho it was well over grown,
been up there today (wed) and was well lonely, no one to talk too,
hopefully i will be going up at the weekend,
will anyone be up there over the weekend?


:thumbsup:
dave

You took on two plots, good luck! What numbers were they? We're on no. 18 and I usually manage a couple hours on either Saturday or Sunday. They're pretty quiet on a weekend, so not surprising you had the place to yourself in the week. I'd love to get down there in the week, but this work thing gets in the way too much.

I managed to get up there yesterday, but only for half an hour or so just to have a look about really, (the wife and father-in-law had been up to do some clearing).

Two plots eh! good luck with that. I think I may have taken on two plots by accident :o it seems very wide now we have cleared to the borders.

I am on plot 43, next to Rob and hope to get a few hours this weekend too. Feel free to pop in and say hi if you are about. Which plots have you got Dave?

Dan

hiya, ive took over plot 41 and 42, next door to 19!
hopefully should be up there sat and sun, if the weather is ok,
hope to c someone on there lol.

dave :thumbsup:

Way! Got map. Got application form. Hope to have a nose around this weekend sometime.

Hope to be up there at the weekend at some point. Sounds like it could be busy!

Dave, i am on 43 (and possibly 44 too given the size of the plot now we have cleared it!) which is on the other side of the path to you, so will come and say hello if you are about.

Ptraci, good luck with your plot hunting, feel free to pop in and say hi if you wish.

Now all we need is some decent weather :)
Dan

hiya,
yeah i'll pop and say hello if your there,
just hoping weather is ok, suppose i'll still go if it drizzles a lil,
as long as i can get a fire going to get rid of the jungle i chopped down lol,
i was thinking of getting some live-stock next year on the allotment,
does any think that would be :loopy: doing that?
i asked the allotment office and they said as long as i get writen permission it should be ok, but no one else on there has live-stock,
wouldnt want my chickens getting squashed live veg, lol

dont suppose anyone have any old wood or something on there allotment they dont want that i could use for fencing?


dave :thumbsup:

Just been to have a nosey. Think we're going to go for something quite close to the top. The ones on Bell Hagg lane are mainly taken but we may go for one just down on the next bridleway (103-106 I think),

hiya all,
well weather holded up today (meaning not raining) but was freezing up on the allotment, until i finally managed to get a fire going,
was really windy up there tho,
while i was there i was still thinking weather i should get some chickens or not??? does anyone think it would be :loopy: getting some up on there?

dave :thumbsup:

http://www.daves-allotment.blogspot.com/

Just been to have a nosey. Think we're going to go for something quite close to the top. The ones on Bell Hagg lane are mainly taken but we may go for one just down on the next bridleway (103-106 I think),


how did your plot hunting go?
have u managed to sign for a allotment?

dave :thumbsup:

how did your plot hunting go?
have u managed to sign for a allotment?

dave :thumbsup:
We've had a good look round but I'm still procrastinating. Probably sit down with forms this weekend.

We've had a good look round but I'm still procrastinating. Probably sit down with forms this weekend.


did you manage to sign for a plot?

dave:thumbsup:

Hi,
from the replies posted so far have you considered getting together and forming your own association? Is there one already? I know there is one at Hagg Lane is this your site or the one next door? (sorry would ask Pat but she is on holiday) If there is one get involved with it, if not you can always set up your own, the federation would help, we have a draft constitution and part of our remit is to encourage new groups. If we can help get in touch.
Kim. Sheffield Allotment Federation

Hi Kim

welcome to the Forum and thanks for your good suggestions!

I can't speak on behalf of everyone but I imagine they might agree that attending one of the allotment fed meetings would be good - will keep an eye on the thread you have started.

Give some of us a shout when you get as far as Hagg Hill on your tour!


All the best
Vicky (17)

Hello everyone,

Its been great watching lots of the plots at Hagg House being taken this year, I took mine on in March and was a little worried about the lack of tennants at the time.

dee1212006, let us all know if you do get chickens, I may well do the same at some point. The only problem there may be is foxes, I've seen quite a few on the hillside.

Also watch out for the rabbits, they ate my lettuces, cabbages and sprouts. Next year i'll be more prepared with fencing around the beds.

pawa (plot 135 I think)

hiya, thanks for the reply, im getting my chickens hopefully after x mas, prob jan/feb.
Let me know if you want any around that time and i can pick some up for u.
im hopefully going to try and make the fencing so there is little access for the foxes, but im going to have a wire pen attached to the chicken house, and putting the pen under the ground aswell so they cant dig under.


dave:thumbsup:




Hello everyone,

Its been great watching lots of the plots at Hagg House being taken this year, I took mine on in March and was a little worried about the lack of tennants at the time.

dee1212006, let us all know if you do get chickens, I may well do the same at some point. The only problem there may be is foxes, I've seen quite a few on the hillside.

Also watch out for the rabbits, they ate my lettuces, cabbages and sprouts. Next year i'll be more prepared with fencing around the beds.

pawa (plot 135 I think)

I'm going to give it some serious thought over the winter. The problem with my plot is that it is the top row and very visible from Bole Hill Lane. I'm most worried about human predators as opposed to foxes etc.

I've done some research and the cost of keeping chickens based on a £300 chicken house that lasts 10 years is:

Annual Costs for Keeping 3 Laying Hens
Housing £10.00 (£30.00 per year split between three hens)
Purchase of chicken£3.30 (£10.00 per hen over 3 years)
Food £11.00
Total Cost per Hen £24.30

I'd build my own house to save money though! The "eglu" chicken houses do look amazing though. (You'll have to google for it as I can't yet do links)

pawa

I didn't want to open another thread for Hagg House, there seem to be loads already.

I've googled for Hagg House allotments and found minutes from past council meetings.

Minutes of Development Environment and Leisure Scrutiny Board 17 March 2005
Members asked a number of questions namely, why were there so many vacant plots at Hagg House and, if vandalism was a prevalent problem on this site, what would happen if such vandalism continued.....
.....Mike Taylor and John Martin, Parks, Woodlands and Countryside Service, confirmed that the Hagg House site suffered from vandalism and the site’s isolation discouraged people from taking up tenancies there. Should the vandalism continue on this site or any other site then officers would examine the potential for other uses of the sites as part of the overall rationalisation plan for Allotments.

and as of February 2005


NAME OF SITE NO OF PLOTS NO OF TENANCY VACANT PLOTS WAITING LIST
Hagg House----------144--------------18---------------126------------- 0

Two years on, it would be interesting to see the stats again, I've not heard from anyone of any vandalism (apart from fly-tipping on my plot:( ) Plots are continually being taken, I'm really looking forward to this growing season.

I emailed the allotment office end of November about the number taken now and they gave me the following figures:

No. of plots: 187
No. vacant: 78
No. out of commission: 12

Not quite sure just how bad they need to be to be taken out of commission, as I'd have though more than 12 were in that state, without the intervention of heavy machinery.

hiya, thanks for the reply, im getting my chickens hopefully after x mas, prob jan/feb.
Let me know if you want any around that time and i can pick some up for u.
im hopefully going to try and make the fencing so there is little access for the foxes, but im going to have a wire pen attached to the chicken house, and putting the pen under the ground aswell so they cant dig under.


dave:thumbsup:

There is a giant fox on the loose, so you will need at least 6ft high fencing with barb wire. He is also very clever and has learnt to operate a JCB.

There is a giant fox on the loose, so you will need at least 6ft high fencing with barb wire. He is also very clever and has learnt to operate a JCB.

Boywonder has previously posted a photo of the giant fox (http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n158/universe101/foxathagghouse.jpg)

I emailed the allotment office end of November about the number taken now and they gave me the following figures:

No. of plots: 187
No. vacant: 78
No. out of commission: 12

Not quite sure just how bad they need to be to be taken out of commission, as I'd have though more than 12 were in that state, without the intervention of heavy machinery.

I make that 97 plots taken then, which is a huge improvement. I'm not really sure the council really know the total number of plots on the site though. Is it 144 as documented in Feb 2005, or is it 187 like they told you in November??

I've managed to count 10 forum members who've admitted having a plot there.

Total number of plots on site is 150 ish!!! If you look at the site plan although the highest number is 187 you will see that some of the smaller numbers are missing (eg no plot 1, several between 70 and 80 etc)
This is something the Federation has asked to be sorted out on numerous occassions and althought it is getting better its still not right yet!
Plots tenented - 75
Plots under offer - 4
Plots vacant - 75
Plots currently out of commission - 13
these figures are from the allotment office today.

Hi everyone - thought I'd put in a post to say hi. I've been doing the organic gardening course with RobD and he's been encouraging me about taking on a plot. He kindly showed me around the site (or should I say jungle :-P) and I've reserved a few plots on the next row down from his. Gonna have to have a think about it, well aware that they will require some serious work and won't be fully workable for years mmm
Done a lot of indoor (flourescent) gardening over the years, just bits and bobs really so this would be a massive project but we'll see.
Really happy to see such a lively discussion taking place on here - all the best everyone! Cheers Ed.

Hi everyone - thought I'd put in a post to say hi. I've been doing the organic gardening course with RobD and he's been encouraging me about taking on a plot. He kindly showed me around the site (or should I say jungle :-P) and I've reserved a few plots on the next row down from his. Gonna have to have a think about it, well aware that they will require some serious work and won't be fully workable for years mmm
Done a lot of indoor (flourescent) gardening over the years, just bits and bobs really so this would be a massive project but we'll see.
Really happy to see such a lively discussion taking place on here - all the best everyone! Cheers Ed.

Hello Ed,
Welcome to the forum, sign up for the plot whilst you can, they'll be like gold dust soon.:hihi:

Hi Ed

Glad to see you might join us - the plots are not as much work as you might think. We got ours in August last yr and it now starting to resemble a real allotment (17 with the woven fences, next to Robs). I was ill for most of last year as well so visits weren't that frequent. I'd say give it a go. You don't have to do it all at once

Vic

I received the letter from the council regarding the Hagg House meet up today. Good work Rob.:thumbsup:

It doesn't mention where on Hagg House it is going to be held, I should have noticed that when proof reading it though:rolleyes:

It won't be hard to print off some notices to put on each row with the location details though.

I'll be there

Paul

It doesn't mention where on Hagg House it is going to be held, I should have noticed that when proof reading it though:rolleyes:

OK I blame you for not spotting that :hihi:

We can have it on our plot, the kids play area has a wall around it for people to sit on. That'll teach me to put my name on the letter :D

Do you know if you can make the ARI meeting? Be useful if someone goes, no pressure... ;)

I'll definitely be going to the ARI meeting, the form's filled in and the cheque written, I'll get around to posting it tomorrow.

I should be able to get hold of a large gas burner for the Hagg House meeting, so we can all have a hot drink whilst sat on your wall.

Paul

Hi there all, I'm looking at taking on a couple of plots on the Hagg Lane 2 site with some friends. I went down yesterday (Tue 13th) afternnoon at about 4pm and the ones that seem vacant are seriously overgrown with trees. Does anybody know if there are there rules about taking trees down and also what condition the soil might be in. I'm also interested in taking on some chickens :-) I'll be down again this afternoon if anybody is around.

Hi BusConsultan,

Pretty much all of the plots on Hagg House (Hagg Lane 2) were overgrown with brambles and trees 12 months ago. There were apparently only 3 or 4 being tended then. It doesn't take too long to get a plot looking respectable, especially if you have friends to help out.

The lease you have to sign does tell you not to cut trees down. But these trees have only appeared over the last 20-30 years due to neglect so I would just go ahead and cut them down so we can get the allotments to what they used to be like.

The soil must be pretty good, judging at the rate it has been colonised by shrubs and trees. Last year I grew potatoes, onions and garlic with no problems. Watch out for the rabbits though, they ate my lettuce and cabbage (I'll have fences this year).

I don't think anyone has chickens at the moment, but I'm definitely interested in having some and so is at least one other plot holder as well.

Regards

Paul
Plot 135 Hagg House

Ah the tree rule... Anyone know why they have that in the lease? It seems widely ignored on our site, with good reason. Probably something daft to do with health and safety, like the pond rule... Whatever happens don't tell them about us using tools on the site :rolleyes:

I'm completely baffled by how they decided a plot is 'out of commission' as well. Being covered in trees or being a complete bog doesn't appear to qualify as being out of commission, so what is? And I can't believe they've got any better ideas about the numbers down there than us so they're probably guessing which ones are not for letting :D

Thanks for the advice all, RobD nice to meet you yesterday and happy birthday again.

I'm going ahead and have sent in registrations for 4 (yes greedy 4) plots. There are about 8 of us that want to do them up (details on http://www.47-50.blogspot.com/). They are seriously a forest but hey nothing ventured nothing gained and it would be nice to get some of the challenging ones sorted. Hope to see you all down there or at the meeting on the 10th.

I'm completely baffled by how they decided a plot is 'out of commission' as well. Being covered in trees or being a complete bog doesn't appear to qualify as being out of commission, so what is?

Unexploded world war 2 bomb. :hihi:

Unexploded world war 2 bomb. :hihi:

There's a chance I guess :o - could help thin out the trees! My theory is the allotment officer was unable to get that far down the row during the last inspection :D