About the Society

Our Story

Green Furlong has been home to local growers for over forty years. What began as a handful of plots has grown into a thriving site where neighbouring gardeners — from absolute beginners to seasoned smallholders — tend their beds side by side. We've built ourselves on mutual aid and shared stewardship: growers here look out for each other's plants when someone's away, pass on seedlings and advice freely, and believe that good soil and good neighbours go together.

What We Believe

We encourage organic and low-impact growing — no chemical sprays, and what you grow is better for it. We respect neighbouring plots, keep our paths and boundaries tidy, and share surplus produce freely with the community. Above all, we keep Green Furlong welcoming. Whether you've grown tomatoes in a pot or managed a market garden, there's a place for you here, and someone on site who'll help you get started.

The Committee

All volunteers, all plot holders, elected at the Annual General Meeting.

Chair

Sets the agenda for committee meetings and the AGM, represents the society at local events and liaison with the landowner.

Secretary

Keeps records of meetings and decisions, handles correspondence, and keeps members informed of updates and changes.

Treasurer

Collects plot rent, manages site funds, and accounts for money spent on upkeep — paths, water, compost bays, and communal tools.

Plot Officer

Handles plot applications, lets vacant beds, settles boundary disputes, and checks that plots are being kept as agreed.

Show Secretary

Organises the annual summer show — entries, judging, prizes — and other social events that bring the site together.

How Decisions Are Made

Everyone has a say.

Annual General Meeting.

Annual General Meeting. Held each spring, where members vote on committee roles, approve site rules and rent levels, and decide on improvement projects. It's the society's highest authority.

Committee meetings.

Committee meetings. Held monthly and open to all members. You can attend to listen, or raise items you'd like discussed — no need to be on the committee.

Between meetings.

Between meetings. Chat to the committee members directly on site — they're here tending their plots just like you, and are always happy to hear what's on your mind.

Site Rules in Brief

Simple expectations that keep Green Furlong pleasant for everyone.

Keep your plot reasonably cultivated.

Keep your plot reasonably cultivated. Bare ground is fine, but a plot shouldn't turn into a wilderness of nettles and bindweed — it takes time away from your neighbours' growing.

Respect paths and boundaries.

Respect paths and boundaries. Paths stay clear so everyone can move around safely. Hedges, fences and markers belong where they are — ask before you move anything on a neighbouring plot.

Leave communal areas tidy.

Leave communal areas tidy. Water points, tool sheds, compost bays and seating belong to all of us. Leave them as you'd like to find them.

No chemical sprays.

No chemical sprays. We grow organically here. If you need advice on pest control without chemicals, the committee and your neighbours have plenty of tricks to share.