Some goatally great allotment news!
Work on the FOBB plot at The Rock Allotments just off Allison Road kicked off on the 7th when James led a Duke of Edinburgh group to start clearing the brambles. They made a good start, clearing sufficient space to allow FOBB allotment expert Martin to start digging up the bramble roots and getting some of his compost into the soil, ready for sowing.
The brambles on the slope on the top half of the allotments were later attacked by Andy and me with the FoBB strimmer/brush cutter, while Martin carried on digging. It took just an hour to clear the whole slope. Already detailed plans are taking shape for planting and seasons but it’s not too late to get involved – please get in touch if you’d like to be involved or have ideas for crops.
When the CIL grant finally turns up, hopefully before long, we can get a container to keep our tools in, and it will be a lot easier to make progress with lots of participants.
Geoff Thomas
Treasurer
After much planning and huge FOBB teamwork (with brilliant support from Bristol City Council) three goats all arrived happily yesterday. Smaller brother and sister Holly and Hamlet (she has the curly ears), and larger Braveheart with big heart on forehead, all look to be settling in well and already munching into the brambles on the bottom end of the allotment.
Great efforts from all involved including: the Duke of Edinburgh team who built the Heras fencing enclosure which was sourced from Ambition Lawrence Weston and the wind proofing services on the shelter masterfully completed by Jackie and Simone.
The current plan is to have them settle into their new home at the allotment for a few weeks before commencing a spring/summer tour of St Anne’s Wood where they will be deploying to clear areas of bramble and balsam in readiness for the autumn’s tree planting.
The team have been supplied by Street Goat run by Carol Lombard (pictured above with Chair Giorgia) who have successfully run similar schemes across the city – including by the M32 Tower and in the Avon Gorge. We’re very much hoping the goats will become a hit with local people and be a sustainable habitat management option moving forward.
Anyone who wants to join up to help check in on them, replenish water etc is very welcome to join Team Goat. Reach out if so!
James Reed
Secretary & Tree Lead
