We took on a plot in August that had been left for 5 years with no cultivation, according to our allotment neighbour (although we were on the waiting list for 1 year - go figure).

It was about 5 ft. high with brambles all over. We bought one of these http://shop.btcv.org.uk/shop/level3/18/level to top-clear it, and it was great (the Bulldog Irish brushing hook with 15" blade and 36" handle). About £50 from Cromwell tools in Sheffield, but worth every penny. It made very short work of the brambles. Digging the roots up was another matter, but found that a mattock works very well for those.

Oh, and you won't get mugged on the way home if you've got your brushing hook with you! (but keep the blade wrapped in cardboard so that Mr. Plod don't nick you)

Ooooo how very medieval - going to any peasant revolts?

I want one!

We used to use a Jack Russell for root removal :D

Amazingly efficient at scooping soil away from awkward underneath roots :thumbsup:

Beagles are supposed to be good at this too, but I'm a bit wary of encouraging this one to dig when he hasn't figured out he could get under the fence quite easily if he set his mind to it :suspect:

Isnt there a tool called a Mantis that does this sort of thing?

I saw a garden being cleared whilst on holiday in Scotland....













They were using a JCB :hihi:

Very effective it was too :shocked:

Ooooo how very medieval - going to any peasant revolts?

I want one!

I'm almost ashamed to say it, but it did make me feel rather "empowered". An armed uprising among allotment holders would be a force to be reckoned with. How about this Friday?

note to terror police: clearly I am joking. Or am I?