Soggy Field

We've started work to try and get our field into better condition. We've installed a french drain to catch water running from the neighbouring campsite down our old farm track and into the top of our field.

French drain across field access

The water now falls into the drain that spans the access point and exits into the ditch that runs the length of the field. Paul from Vantsone's kindly cleared the top of the drainage ditch and it's now running with water.

Cleared ditch. Looking along the planned direction of the discharge pipe

The idea is that this will improve the drainage generally for growing purposes but also help the land to dry out ready for the heavy plant that will be used to install the discharge pipe in the spring.

Ever get that sinking feeling?

You can see how soft the ground was, fortunately a large part of it was frozen solid otherwise we might have lost our shoes in the mud...

Did I mention that its hard to hop in mud, remove a glove and take a photo?

A Perceptible Interruption of the Laws of Nature?

Why didn't the pipes split and how come the washing machine hasn't died????

It's really weird... We abandoned the caravan a few days ago as our mains water supply froze solid. Exposed water pipes sat in icy puddles so there was no way of stopping them freezing. We had a full watering can frozen solid and 5" of ice in each of the water butts.

Sally and one of my few local friends 'Owl' look on in amazement

Given how cold it has been and from our experiences last year I was expecting to get back and find the caravan with all sorts of pipe damage. Last year Jase and Ange helped us with about 10 different splits, holes and disconnections.

So anyway, everything appears to be fine. We've also bought some pipe insulation from Mole Valley Farmers so I'm hoping the pipes still sat above the ground will be OK from now on?!

Stage One of Groundworks Complete

Stage One of the groundworks involved everything to do with the inside and immediate surroundings of the barn. The next stage of the groundworks will be to install our rainwater harvesting tank and a water treatment tank further down the garden. Stage three involves running a treated water discharge pipe the full length of our field down to the stream at the bottom.

Ready to start building works

The view from the earth mound

A very tidy site

No Mud but the pipes freeze when it gets cold.

So at this stage it looks like Kev, Dan and Paul from Vanstone's (Tel: 01288 321322)  have done a great job and they've left the place nice and tidy. I just wish I'd spoken to them about burying the water supply to the caravan so it doesn't freeze in this arctic weather.

Stuart Bryant (Tel: 01288 321546) starts the main build just after Christmas if not before. We're really looking forward to the main build and seeing things come together rather than being taken apart. To be fair I think we'll always be looking forward to the 'next' stage of the build right up to moving in.

F - F - F - Freeeeezing

Our mains water supply has frozen solid so we've been forced to evacuate our caravan. We've left an electric heater on in the hope that the water pipes won't split and cause too much damage inside. Fingers crossed its just the exposed mains pipes that are causing the problem... Probably hopeful thinking given that the water butt has 3" of ice on the surface and tonight it's supposed to drop to -5C.

Despite the cold the builders are still cracking into the work. They are certainly feeling the cold with the wind it was equivalent to around -6 centigrade on site today.

Currently working on external drainage.

We have a fresh load of seasoned wood delivered and stacked ready for our return to the caravan. More excitingly we are taking delivery of a sub-compact tractor on Monday, we'll be able to rotovate growing beds in the spring, carry loads into the field and cut grass. The tractor is significant as it represents the start of our activities in the field.

Our tractor will look a bit like this but it will have big agricultural tyres, a sub-woofer and blue organic neon lights. A drinks holder comes as standard but unfortunately Stella Artois doesn't.