Helpers on Chestnut Farm Allotments

Plot holders may have invested time and effort over many years in cultivating their plot, but are currently struggling to manage the work.  They are not ready to give up their plot while they hope that health problems or pressure from work or family are just temporary.  Meanwhile, these plot holders are encouraged to invite helpers from the waiting list, to work on their plot on terms they negotiate.
 
For example:
 
Helper works under the guidance of an experienced grower in return for a share of produce.  and/or  helper is allocated a clearly defined space on the plot to grow their own vegetables on a season by season basis. 
 
Plot holders are responsible for the conduct of their helpers on the site, and must ensure that helpers and visitors understand and comply with branch rules. 
 
Plot holders are expected to give helpers plenty of warning, certainly until all helpers’ own crops are harvested, before reclaiming their space.  Helpers may also ask to move to a different plot if the arrangement isn’t working for them.

click on images for helpers' stories

​Helpers who can commit to coming along at least once a week to work on a plot, and/or around the site can be given a key (for a £25 deposit) so they can come and go when they want to. 

Helpers do not pay rent, and have no tenancy rights, but if all goes well for a year or two, the plot holder may choose to nominate their helper as a co-worker (see Plot Allocation guidelines). The plot holder is under no obligation to do this. 

​Helpers may also like to get involved in clearing spaces on the site to grow fruit and vegetables in pots or planters, to care for trees, hedges and wild areas, or to join working parties to help with specific projects.

​​Visitor/Helpers
 
There are plenty of opportunities for those who’d like to help occasionally, but they will need to arrange access with a plot holder or helper each time they come.  There must be a plot holder who takes responsibility for visitors’ conduct while on the site.