We the undersigned would like Reading Borough Council to allow woodchip to be delivered to allotment sites in Reading. Currently the council is blocking the drivery of woodchip to the Scours Lane site and other plots. This would be untreated woodchip and would not include chipped treated wood.

The Environmental Agency allows woodchip under “U12 waste exemption: using mulch“ with the benefits being;

1) Conserve soil moisture
2) Moderate soil temperature
3) Control growth of weeds
4) Provide organic matter as the mulch breaks down

It also provides a local, convenient, close site for the tree surgeons making travel and traffic times are reduced.

Information from soil association on woodchip as mulch:
https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/growing-at-home/allotments-and-home-growing/how-to-use-mulch/

Swindon Borough Council, under their tree management policy, state that "... Woodchip may also be delivered locally to agreed sites for community use such as bark footpaths (i.e. Allotments, schools and open spaces)".