SAFEGUARDING

Your safety is our number one priority.

Terms Of Service

STAYING SAFE

PlotSpot™ Guidelines

These guidelines have been put together to protect the safety of our customers and their premises. Please read through each section to ensure you receive the best possible experience using PlotSpot.

Identification Checks

Advice on validating ID to ensure the safety of you and your property.

Tenancy Agreement

Advice and templates on how to create a basic tenancy agreement.

Insurance Cover

Advice on insuring your land, property and belongings.

Showing Respect

Advice on how to conduct yourself, and what to do if there is a problem.

Meet & Greet

Advice on how and where to conduct your meet and greet.

Report Criminal Activity

Advice on identifying and reporting criminal activity.

Identification Checks

PlotSpot do not carry out background checks on their members. However, hosts are within their right to request identification from a potential seeker, before or during the meet and greet. 

If the hosted space involves vulnerable adults or children, a DBS check may also be appropriate. You can find more information on gov.uk.

tERMS OF SERVICE

Insurance Cover

Most standard home insurance policies include some level of cover for your garden, but it’s important to check. 

If you are worried about damage to your garden, tools or property you will need to arrange your own cover.

tERMS OF SERVICE

PlotSpot does not include insurance for your land, property or belongings. You will need to make sure your home insurance policy covers your garden and tools if this is something you’re concerned about. For more information see our Terms of Service.

By following these guidelines, ensuring you have adequate insurance and detailing everything you need to in your tenancy agreement.

Most issues can be resolved with effective communication. You should discuss and agree everything you need to include in your tenancy agreement prior to working together.

You can terminate the tenancy agreement at any time, but you should allow adequate time for belongings and harvest to be collected.

PlotSpot are not liable for any damage to property or belongings. You will need to contact your insurance company. If you believe the damage was a result of criminal activity, contact your local authorities immediately. For more information see our Terms of Service.

Meet & Greet

We advise all hosts and seekers to arrange a “meet and greet” before agreeing to work together. We’ve listed a few key points to keep you safe:

  • Initial meet in a location away from your property.
  • Feel free to take a friend or member of family with you.
  • You are 100% in control - reserve the right to refuse.
  • Take all the time you need to decide!
tERMS OF SERVICE

Your safety and the safety of your property is number one priority to us! This is why we’ve put a lot of time into our Safeguarding Guidelines. 

Please read through them carefully. They were created to protect our customers – to ensure you have an amazing time and receive the best possible experience using PlotSpot.

This is so you can get to know (and get a feel) for the person who is renting your plot before introducing them into your property.

You reserve the right to refuse/reject anyone – never enter or be coerced into an agreement if you are feeling unsure. Use your best judgement and don’t feel rushed. Take all the time you need!

A good place to arrange a first meet is a garden centre, cafe, or park local to your property. It’s advisable to take a friend or member of family with you – and always inform someone where you are going and why.

The guidelines are there to protect you and your property. Following them will ensure you have the best possible experience hosting or renting a plot!

Tenancy Agreement

Once you have found a suitable match for your plot, you should create a tenancy agreement – it’s not complicated, don’t worry!

We’ve put together a simple template you can use as the basis of your agreement. Alternatively, you can seek advice and create your own. Both host and seeker should retain a copy.

The tenancy agreement defines all the dos and don’ts you will agree on before renting the plot. Things you may wish to include:

  • Price, method and frequency of payment.
  • Agreed access to leased premises.
  • Use of tools, equipment and facilities.
  • Whether you wish to share the produce.
  • Termination agreement.
TENANCY AGREEMENT TEMPLATE

Showing Respect

Please show respect for property, belongings and each other! 

If you are hosting, show your seeker around your garden and make them feel at home. If you are seeking, have respect for the host’s land, property and tools.

tERMS OF SERVICE

Most issues can be resolved with effective communication. You should discuss and agree everything you need to include in your tenancy agreement prior to working together.

If you are unable to resolve an issue, either party can terminate the tenancy agreement at any time. You should allow adequate time for belongings and/or harvest to be collected.

All terms and conditions should be clearly set out in the tenancy agreement prior to working together. Calmly discuss the matter and refer to the agreement if required.

If problems persist, you reserve the right to terminate the agreement. You should allow adequate time for belongings and harvest to be collected.

The Zero-Tolerance Initiative is a commitment to recognise, raise and respond to any deviation from the human rights of customers using our service.

You should never be subjected to any kind of abuse. This is why we put you 100% in the driver’s seat when managing your tenancy agreement.

You should report any form of abuse to your local authorities. We take a strict zero-tolerance stance on abuse; it is a breach of our terms of service. Remember, both parties reserve the right to terminate your tenancy agreement at any time.

Report Criminal Activity

People with an interest in self-sustainability tend to be selfless, kind-hearted and generous. But in the rare scenario you encounter a problem, it’s important you know what to do.

If you suspect any form of criminal activity, you should immediately report it to your local authorities.

Criminal activity includes:

  • Theft of robbery or belongings.
  • Intended criminal damage to a property/garden.
  • Abuse of any kind, including verbal and financial.
  • Online bullying, threats or abuse.
  • Blackmail, coersion or extortion.
Safegarding Leaflet

safeguarding

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Sunlight

Safe exposure to sunlight has various benefits that can improve your health and well-being. One of the main benefits is the way it supports vitamin D levels, which play an important role in your health. Allowing some sunlight into your eyes first thing in the morning is vital to promoting metabolic well-being, positive function of your hormone system and good mental health. When choosing a sunscreen, you may wish to opt for chemical free, non-toxic products. It's beneficial to be aware of ingredients, before applying any product to your body.

Stretching

There’s a reason animals always stretch after being stationary! Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. There are several ways to incorporate stretching into your daily routine – tai chi, yoga and pilates are some great examples.

Rest

Rest and recuperation is vital for better mental health, increased concentration and memory. It supports a healthier immune system, reduces stress, improves mood and increases metabolism. In addition to daily relaxation, it’s recommended adults get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Quality is just as important as quantity! Before you sleep, try swapping screen time for reading, yoga or meditation.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the awareness of ourselves and the world around us. It can improve our mental well-being as it centers itself around reconnecting our bodies with the sensations they experience. This means paying attention to sights, sounds, smells and tastes in the present moment. It’s also about becoming mindful of the information we allow into our minds and not allowing our thoughts to be controlled or manipulated by external sources.

Meditation

Meditation has a history that goes back thousands of years, many meditative techniques began in Eastern traditions. The term “meditation” refers to a variety of practices that focus on mind and body integration and are used to calm the mind and enhance overall well-being. Benefits include; lowering stress levels, improving focus, reducing anxiety and brain chatter. See our meditation section for more information!

Nutrition

It's true what they say, you are what you eat. Following a healthy diet has many benefits, including building strong bones, protecting the heart, preventing disease, and boosting mood. In fact, it may be possible to prevent up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke diagnoses with simple lifestyle changes. A healthy diet typically includes nutrient-dense foods from all of the major food groups, including lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables.

Nature

Spending time in nature is proven to reduce stress, depression and anxiety. It naturally slows the heart rate, restoring a sense of peace and calm. It can also boost your mood, confidence and self-esteem. Regularly being outdoors can improve fitness levels and help with weight loss, raises vitamin D levels and increase cognitive ability. Distancing yourself from the harmful effects of technology, such as EMF exposure, can also benefit your overall well-being.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is a simple yet critical part of maintaining good health. It improves brain performance, helps joints stay lubricated, regulates temperature, enhances energy and helps our heart stay healthy. As we age, drinking enough water is more important as dehydration is more common among older adults. Water quality is also something to be mindful of, pH levels and purity should be taken into consideration. Particularly concerning tap water, as it is usually recycled and chemically treated.

Fasting

Despite its recent surge in popularity, fasting is a practice that dates back centuries and plays a central role in many cultures and religions. Fasting may provide several health benefits, including blood sugar control, weight loss and protection against medical conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Many people implement intermittent fasting, for example 16:8, where you fast for sixteen hours and only eat between the eight.

Exercise

Regular exercise has been shown to dramatically reduce your chances of developing serious health conditions. It helps to boost energy levels, enhance mood and reduce stress. Exercise doesn’t need to be a chore, pick an activity your enjoy! Nature walks, cycling, yoga, dancing, competitive sport etc. A mix of stretching, cardio and strength training is a good framework to build your exercise routine on.

Detoxing

We are constantly exposed to toxins from the environment around us. Detoxification is a process that helps to remove toxic substances from the body. There are many detoxing protocols available, which include water fasting, juicing, and herbal teas. Turmeric, ginger, and lemon are popular detox ingredients known to boost the immune system, improve digestion and reduce inflammation. It's also beneficial to "detox" from technology and social media, allowing time to reconnect with nature.

Cold Therapy

Frequent exposure to cold is linked to a number of health benefits. There is evidence colder temperatures speed up metabolism, improve quality of sleep, enhance focus, and strenghthen immune response. Another benefit is it reduces inflammation, swelling, and sore muscles. Cold showers, ice baths and wild swimming are popular ways to expose the body to cold temperatures. However they should always be done safely, under controlled conditions. Particularly if you have existing health conditions.

Rosemary

Rosemary is used as a culinary condiment, to make bodily perfumes, and for its health benefits. The herb not only tastes good in culinary dishes, such as rosemary chicken and lamb, but it is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6.

The herb has been hailed since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Rosemary was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth.

Pine Needle

Pine needles are one of the most widely used herbs in the world. They have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and are a great source of vitamin C.

They can be used to treat many ailments, including headaches, stomachaches, arthritis pain, inflammation, swelling and much more.

Pine needle tea contains high levels of Vitamin A, which is good for your eyesight, improves hair and skin regeneration and improves red blood cell production.

Marigold

The main medicinal applications of marigold are skin conditions of all kinds, including contusions, bruises and varicose veins. Minor skin injuries and inflammation can also be successfully treated.

Marigold tea has many uses. Drunk three times a day, it alleviates cramps and aids digestion. It will also bring relief for nausea, stomach ulcers and menstrual discomfort.

Tincture of marigold eases headaches and can help to facilitate sleep. The tea can be also used in cold compresses and baths as an anti-inflammatory and relaxant.

Lavender

Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. It may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness.

Some studies suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and abdominal swelling.

In addition to helping with digestive problems, lavender is used to help relieve pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches, and sores. It can also be used to prevent hair loss.

Dandelion

Although often dismissed as a stubborn lawn weed, people have used dandelion in forms of traditional medicine for centuries.

Not only can the leaves, roots, and flowers add color to your plate, but they’re also often found in herbal teas and supplements.

They can be used as a natural remedy to support blood sugar management and boost skin, liver, and heart health. You'll never look at dandelions the same again!

Chamomile

With flowers that resemble small daisies, chamomile is another medicinal plant that’s thought to have anti-anxiety properties.

Chamomile can be taken internally as tea for minor digestive problems. It can be used as an aromatic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative (digestive aid), and de-stressing nervine.

Externally it has been used in hair wash, hair dyes, and for sore skin or eczema. Chamomile is probably the most well-known plant used as a nervine tonic, helping to relieve stress and tension.

One recent study confirmed it’s safe for long-term use and that it also shows potential in anticancer treatments.

Common Nettle

Stinging nettle, also known as Urtica dioica, is a plant that has been used in Western herbal medicine for centuries.

Studies suggest that it may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, among other benefits.

While fresh stinging nettle may cause irritation, cooked, dried, or freeze-dried stinging nettle is generally safe to consume.

Borage

In traditional medicine, borage is used as a sedative and a diuretic, and as a treatment for seizures and kidney disease. The leaves are often used as dried herbs or tea.

Today, fresh borage is eaten and used as a garnish or in drinks. The seeds are also pressed to make borage seed oil, which is used as a supplement.

It is associated with several health benefits: reducing inflammation, improving skin health, decreasing symptoms of asthma, bone strengthening, treatment of bronchitis, and many more.