Things you should do to make sure everyone stays safe on allotments.

If you spot anything you think may be a hazard or cause injury to other allotment users, contact your town council.

To help us make sure the allotment sites are safe, you should:

• always lock the allotment gates when you arrive and leave the site
• always keep chemicals in clearly marked containers and in a locked and secure store
• follow HSE guidance on storing chemicals
• never pour chemicals or other hazardous substances into other containers such as soft plastic drinks bottles
• never get rid of old chemicals on your plot or pour into water courses as this can contaminate water and harm wildlife
• keep stored amounts petrol for machinery to a minimum and make sure it’s always locked away
• try to avoid having a bonfire on your plot
• always keep pets under control and dogs on a lead
• find out if you need a tetanus injection if you cut yourself while working on the allotment
• keep hedges trimmed in line with the terms of your allotment agreement
• cover the tops of garden canes with bottle lids or cartons to prevent injury
• remember that a pond on your plot can be a drowning risk
• keep your plot and its surroundings tidy and try to compost as much as you can to minimise landfill
• report any damage to fences or gates by contacting your town council
• contact the police or your town council if you notice vandalism or theft from your allotment site