I've been thinking about some kind of rating scheme for allotments that measures how good the site is. I think a simple and objective measure would be a useful thing to encourage sites to improve, and it could even become the basis for a quality standard. I'd be pleased if you'd have a look at the first draft, and maybe do the survey for your site and post your scores, and suggest any modifications and improvements. I'll post the weightings later if there's interest. Many thanks.
The Good Allotment Survey (http://www.emilyware.co.uk/gas/gas.php).
Yes sounds like a good suggestion. And it fits in with the way that local authorities get measured and funders measure things, so it could help people allocate money or raise money.
My site got 53%. But that sounds bad, in fact I think it's better than it sounds from that.
Would there be a way of weighting some items higher than others? So something more important eg water supply or lack of vandalism, would rate higher than having a communal shed for example?
Quote from: pigeonseed on July 27, 2011, 12:10:25
Yes sounds like a good suggestion. And it fits in with the way that local authorities get measured and funders measure things, so it could help people allocate money or raise money.
My site got 53%. But that sounds bad, in fact I think it's better than it sounds from that.
Would there be a way of weighting some items higher than others? So something more important eg water supply or lack of vandalism, would rate higher than having a communal shed for example?
Thanks P. Yes, there's a matrix of weightings for just the reason you say but I thought it would be overly complicated to present that first off, though I think a discussion of the relative merit of the various things would be useful.
My site scores 18%.
My computer is playing silly beggars and says I'm forbidden to take the survey ::)
A few added suggestions
Does your site have a newsletter?
If you have a committe, are the minutes of meetings made available?
Would it be easy to get a copy of your tenancy agreement/constituion?
Is the site inspected regualrly with neglected gardens re-let?
Same as Manic here, click link and get ...
"Forbidden
You don't have permission to access /gas/gas.php on this server.
Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request."
Steve...:)
yep, same error message here!
Thanks, I'll check out the 404 error. I've banned half the world's IPs to cut down on spam so I've maybe been over enthusiastic.
72% not too bad there were a couple of questions that I could have given a little bit more credit to but I am quite happy with the result.
Just been advised that we have won the ' best set' trophy again!
That's four out of five
Ooooooooops. 31% dear me & some questions I could have no to. I wonder what the score would have been then?
Quote from: Steve. on July 27, 2011, 12:40:56
Same as Manic here, click link and get ...
"Forbidden
You don't have permission to access /gas/gas.php on this server.
Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request."
Steve...:)
I believe I've fixed the problem (unless you're in Russia or Asia), so if you got a 404 would you mind having another go please and letting me know hoe you get on. Thanks.
We're doing well then! ;D
I thought of another good one - what about whether they offer any help for newbies like advice, starter plots etc?
It's a great survey though.
I get the 'forbidden' and 404 thing too.
Shame, I like doing surveys..... :'(
my site got 24 per cent ???
58% :D
I put that there is a site hut but it actually keeps the equipment and shop so has to be kept locked. On a site as small as our if we had a proper social type hut some one would have to give up some of their plot- so it is not always feasable.
still no go, Nanny computer ;D
Shocking, my site got 66%. I thought it would be less than that lol. But my problems aren't with the site, its more to do with the secretary who thinks the site is her own so she can do as she pleases, grrrrrrr!!
71%
But we only have a loo for a few months on the summer, the communal shed is ok, but only open on a Sturday, etc So I do have reservations about trying to measure things, never captures things in reality, only gives a general indication. I'll stop there for now....... That's coming from someone who's done a lot of stats in her life :-X
My site got 39% It seemed a low mark for what is a lovely site, We have plenty of water, it's safe and well enclosed with a 7ft fence and locked gate lockable metal sheds , as well as being able to erect our own sheds tunnels,and greenhouses. It's clean and tidy with manure delivered regularly also free woodchip available . our shed sells a variety of items but is not really a social place so had to say no to that question. All this for £36 a year OAPs £18 . Yes toilets would be nice, but we all manage ( I think) ;D ;D
Thanks for doing the survey Unwashed
X Chas
Quote from: Squash64 on July 27, 2011, 13:32:37
I get the 'forbidden' and 404 thing too.
Shame, I like doing surveys..... :'(
Sorted Squash, sorry about that. Would you try again please.
Thanks Un, it worked - 80%!
Quote from: manicscousers on July 27, 2011, 13:52:31
still no go, Nanny computer ;D
Sorry Manics, I think you're OK now, would you have another go please.
Congrats!
Just a question- why is important to get free manure- from what I hear on here it seems to cause lots of problems.
We get manure but the farmer charges- but I think that is as much for his time and diesel? At least that way there is no falling out.
85% , just need the composting toilet now ;D
Interesting survey, Unwashed
Quote from: manicscousers on July 27, 2011, 14:08:20
85% , just need the composting toilet now ;D
Interesting survey, Unwashed
Wow! Top score Manics, beating Squash into second place. :)
I think it needs some tuning, but I reckon there's something in the idea.
i think we only got 24 per cent cos the best we have is soil ::)
Quote from: pumpkinlover on July 27, 2011, 14:07:36
Congrats!
Just a question- why is important to get free manure- from what I hear on here it seems to cause lots of problems.
In itself free dung can be quite helpful but I really want some simple objective questions that measure how good the site is from the allotmenteer's perspective and free dung is like an indicator, because a site that provides free dung is also likely to provide a bunch of other useful free stuff like chippings, scalpings, timber, etc. :)
Quote from: GRACELAND on July 27, 2011, 14:16:29
i think we only got 24 per cent cos the best we have is soil ::)
You're still beating my site!
Actually I did wonder about points for good soil because as gardeners it's obviously really important to us, but I decided not to because it's not something the site can do anything about and I wanted the result to be something a site could aim at improving by making changes and doing stuff differently.
Luckycharlie prison officer Alan (the one with the wheelbarrow ;D) said last year that as there were lots more ladies a toilet was needed. I think there are 6 ladies on your site. How's Ian aka Alex ;D ;D ;D or is it Alex aka Ian :D. Yes your site is lovely. Is there a tick box for MSP or don't they count ;D.
We got 75%.
Suggested omissions: newsletter and/or other communication (notice boards, emails, website); BBQ and/or other social events; school visits; links with local community; insurance; regular supplies of chipped bark, pallets, timber, etc; accessibility of Committee (phone, email published, etc); AGM; publication of minutes and/or accounts; plot inspections; secure fencing & gates; trading hut; seed schemes; length of waiting list (and whether/how those on it are kept in touch) ....
A weighting system would be a good idea, but I wouldn't want to attempt it! (Although when we took over and asked the members their priorities, everyone said security & water!
I think that's a pretty good first draft, though.
nearly fell off my chair got 48% and our site only has 8 plots ;D ;D ;D
43%. What about the friendly people on our site that help each other, and we all swop produce. Our site is run by the Council, any complaints, queries go through the site sec. to the Council (allotments dept.) We get grass cut around the site, have got new security fence, and also get compost, manure, wood chip and scaffold boards. No sheds means less vandalism, I like my site, and think it should have scored higher. We have just had new water tanks put in and they even cut the branches of the overgrown trees. The toilets are not too good, but do flush, and good in an emergency. Not sure we want a community shed as like to go to the allotment to get some peace and only chat to people when I want. Some of the areas are a bit wild, but I like that. I want at least 80%, can I do it again. ;D ;D ;D
Don't often post on here but I am confused by the fact my site doesn't have open days etc its a minus point in your survey , to me the fact strangers are not walking all over my plot is a good thing . An environmental policy sounds like big brother telling me what to do again , so no thanks to that . Our site in Minehead gets 100% from me as I can go there and get left alone to do what I enjoy and that's grow some veg . Perhaps I'm a bit strange but there rant over !
I tend to agree with babyrihno - we score badly on the test but our site is brilliant (for me at least)..
We have minimal rules which seems to make most people happy but no toilet, no open days, no skip, no shop, no manure, no parking etc. Basically I am left alone to grow my veg and chat to my neighbours.
I am sure there are many sites that have all the facilities but are miserable places to grow.
Personally I think it is very hard to quantify what makes a site happy and successful.
Although a newcomer at my site, I answered the best I could and scored 62% - I have no idea if thats good or bad ???
Personally we love our new plot and even managed to spend most of the day on there on Sunday not doing much just enjoying the sun and tranquillity, lovely!
Iain
We made 91%..no sheds for us but we have no charge for heavy equipment and all gardening tools are supplied, we also have taps with hoses attached which reach every plot.
I had to figure out the rent as our plots are small but it worked out.
XX Jeannine
"Your site score is: 28% "
Think Q4 could be changed to include tapped water as a choice.
We have no site hut, loo or open day. But we do have a small carpark that mostly suffices. Very small problem with theft, no equipment hire, seed schemes or site inspections.
Its quite a good site with more plus's than negatives, 28% seems quite harsh. The survey is a good idea and yardstick but as with all of these things it needs some refining.
Steve...:)
69%.... :-\
Well done a good idea. but for me the result does not reflect my opinion of our site.
Our site score 43% but actually I am very happy with it so would actually score it much higher. I would give it an 85 or even 90%.
Yes we have manure, but actually it can be contaminated one bucket full can cause problems and the next one is fine.
There is no democratic representation but the management is open to suggestions and if possible acts on them. It is run by a very benign dictator.
We have no car park but there is somewhere to park. But only have brief vehicular access to one small gate perhaps this is the one big draw back.
A simply are you happy with the management would be nice.
Our shed is not a dump but cannot be used for tea and a chat so a intermediate category would be nice. We are not allowed sheds green houses etc, but for me this is a plus especially when you see some site with a multitude of tatty looking sheds.
Our water is adequate not sufficient fill up points but we are allowed to fill butts with hose pipe and so far the water has not run out.
There is not question about maintainance of hedges and paths etc which is well done for us.
But a down for me is dog do on the plot and this is not covered nor is problems with deer, pigeons, badgers, rabbits, squirrels etc etc.
Also not covered is the general aspect of the site, eg we are surrounded by trees and nature reserves and there is a horse/sheep in the next field and lots of wildlife and good fresh air and friendliness of other allotment holders is also important for me. Interaction with wildlife is brilliant. Seen jays, buzzards, red kite, kestral and baby wrens and there have been several grass snakes having a gang bang in my compost bin.
Perhaps also are the plots well tended because weeds blowing about the place can be an issue, be have about 90 cultivated.
Security fencing is also an issue and we have none so there has been the odd bit of vandalisation.
Long term prospects of the site is also important, is someone trying to build on the site, we are on the path of a proposed bypass, except no one has any money or motivation to build one at the moment.
We now have a loo but it is about 5 mins walk, we do have the shed and a bucket. :o
Maybe length of waiting list is also important.
It is more expensive than some but compares well with Swindon so not totally happy with having to give it the highest cost category.
26% and i'm surprised it was that high as we get nothing provided, no commitee, etc. Maybe the weighting for no theft was high!
Quote from: saddad on July 27, 2011, 17:10:07
69%.... :-\
I did it as well and scored exactly the same as you David!
73%. We could do better. Why no mention of taps, I wonder?
30% :( but there is only 20 plots we do get wood chips ( this year 1st time thanks to new allotments officer)
Our allotments got 28% (more than I thought) but I expected that due to the constant mismanagement, lack of progressive modern movements towards bettering the site, democracy for all and finally a total lack of community spirit.
'Tis a dream I have that one day we will see gatherings, seed swaps, BBQ's (supervised of course), strawberry and cream events and surplus produce sales to raise money for new padlocks or whatever we allotment owners demand as a collective (no, not the Borg in Star Trek:TNG) and finally live happily ever after with one another and the Supe. Peace and harmony would reign and we would sit around the camp fire (no tyres please) and talk of the 'old days when the evil one did rule over the subordinate masses'. Ok so it might sound a bit melodramatic but there ya' go ha, ha.
'Tis a dream I have......
24%
And yet we have a good water supply, a skip service and a car park.
If we had a toilet, I am not sure I'd want to use it ;)
But very interesting to do the survey, thank you UW.
Our site's score is 78%
What about a category for
'good communication between the committee and plot holders eg newsletter, email messages, noticeboard, website
We don't have deliveries of fym but we do get, twice a year, three 10 ton trailer loads of well rotted compost from the parks department and also regular deliveries of wood chippings.
Big thank you to everyone who's commented. I've released draft V0.2 now with many of your suggestions incorporated, so would I be asking a lot if I asked you to have another look at it?
I'm going to lock this thread now and start another for V0.2. See you there (http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,68485.msg696105.html#msg696105).