Allowable exercise – for anyone having any doubt – having an allotment is an aerobic work-out. The Prime Minister announced to the nation on Monday 23 March 2020 that everyone is to stay at home unless key workers. However food producers on allotments are allowed to go to plots, and it counts as allowable exercise. A critical time for planting seeds both in the greenhouse and direct in the soil so we need to know ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Michael Gove clarified that an allotment is exercise and can be visited subject to COVId-19 safety measures being in place. NSALG will keep up-dating.
Allowable Exercise Outdoors
One hour’s digging can burn in excess of 430 calories (over three times the amount spent for an hour at a computer or in front of a TV). The various tasks on an allotment increase flexibility with all of the bending and (careful) twisting. Muscle groups in the arms, legs, upper and lower bodies all get a work-out.
Keep clean and carry on
The Secretary and Chair are straight on it listing with the Committee. Notice have been created that ban anyone entering with any coronavirus symptoms or who are self-isolating. Disinfectant is attached to the gate so that people can sanitise their hands (if they choose not to wear gloves – if they can get hold of any!). More disinfectant and gel in the community hut next to the eggs collected from the community chickens. Volunteers are still needed to come in daily to ensure proper poultry keeping. Everyone is advised to exercise caution.
Allowable Exercise Caution
Toilet rolls being a commodity that are flying off the shelves in supermarkets it was a concern that plot holders would be asked to bring their own with them on visits to their plot. A kind allotment holder has brought in some toilet rolls until the community stocks can be replenished. The toilets do not take more than one person at a time. Plot holders to wear their own gloves when using the cleaning materials. Please keep an eye on the Weaste Allotments Plot Holders Facebook Group to see if you can help another plot holder out keeping within guidelines.
Notices have been put up at the community hut to ensure that no more than one person in at the time. The Community shop access is one volunteer at a time to provide the gardening supplies that plot holders need. Plot holders are keeping to their own plot space and not sharing tools. Manure and wood chip bin shovels should only be used with gloves on. We hope that there will be no change in the ruling so that the seeds currently being planted can be tended to as they grow and indeed harvested. Who knows how long this will take to clear?
Local Covid-19 News
Covid-19 is on the allotment door-step with sadly the third UK death being named as a person in Manchester. Some plot holders definitely fall into the vulnerable categories and the committee will liaise with them about keeping their plots as they are unlikely to be able to attend. It may be they nominate a family member or friend as the need for food production is also key at this time. Remember any excess of late Winter or early Spring vegetables will be welcomed by Salford Food Parcels.