After a lot of consideration, much discussion, and taking advice, we have decided to go ahead with the Caerlaverock Community Allotment project.

Official UK Government advice and Scottish government advice is that allotments can be worked provided the rules on social distancing are strictly observed.

In addition, it is a healthy outdoor activity that produces fresh food.

Michael Gove has stated on tv that working allotments is acceptable.

More information on the Governments’ positions can be found on these two sites:

https://www.nsalg.org.uk/news/covid19-information/

http://www.sags.org.uk/StopPress/COVID19LockDownTemp.php

Dumfries and Galloway Council are keeping the council allotment sites at the Stoop, Noble Hill, and Kingholm Quay open.

There will be 10 allotments on the site of the field beside the Barbour Hall. All 10 allotments are taken. The plots will be 20 metres by 5 metres, with at least 2 metres between each plot. The plots will be measured out by two volunteers only, observing social distancing rules.

The entrance to the site will be by the open gate at the back of the Barbour Hall.

There is a basic set of “Do’s and Don’ts” for plot holders to follow, agreed between John Jamieson, the farmer, and the plot holders. Plot holders are responsible for policing themselves. Plot holders will run the site themselves, but subject to broad oversight from Caerlaverock Community Association.

The National Allotment Society gives the following advice:

https://www.nsalg.org.uk/news/covid19-information/

Can I still work my allotment during the Covid19 lockdown?

Yes, allotments are a great way of both getting exercise and obtaining food during this crisis.

Can I visit the allotment with my family?

Yes, government guidelines state that you can exercise with members of your household.

Why then is the NAS suggesting that we consider going alone to the plot?

This is just a suggestion and plot-holders can decide for themselves but we are looking at the bigger picture and concerned about the risk of sites being shut – as they have been in Ireland and France. If some plot-holders are happy to visit alone or stay away for a few weeks that reduces this risk.

How long can I stay at the plot?

Government Ministers have suggested that an hour’s walk is reasonable and asked us all to limit time spent outside the home. The Society believes that if you are using your plot for daily exercise it would be reasonable to spend an hour or two doing the jobs that need doing for that day and then to return home.

How can I ensure my family’s and everyone else’s safety at the plot?

  • Do not attend the plot if you have coronavirus symptoms or a family member is self-isolating
  • Take a flask of hot water, soap and paper towels to the plot with you (cold water will work too).
  • Use hand sanitiser (should be 60% alcohol content) before entering the site and opening any gate locks
  • Wash hands for at least 20 seconds after closing the lock, dry with a paper towel
  • The most effective part of hand washing is the drying using preferably paper towel to remove the layer of dead skin scales – on which virus and bacteria sit. Paper towel to compost heap.
  • DO NOT touch your face after using anything that has been touched by other people- use an elbow to work the push taps.
  • Wash your hands again for 20 seconds, dry with a paper towel before opening and closing the lock to leave the site
  • Use hand sanitiser after closing the lock
  • Wash hands when you get home
  • DO NOT gather together for a chat even if you are 2 metres apart
  • Observe “Social Distancing” with each other 2-3 metres
  • If you take your children to the plot, ensure that they stay within its confines and do not run around on communal paths and spaces.
  • Do not share tools
  • Do not wash your hands in water troughs

So we are going ahead with caution, and are fully aware that either government advice might change, or our own feelings about it might change as the pandemic advances. In either case we will stop all activity.

David Gilbert,
Caerlaverock Community Chair.