Stock fencing now surrounds the growing area and woodland. Although the photos don't really reflect it, the addition of fencing makes quite a big change to the feel of the land. We just need to get the grass cut and then sheep can return to the field.
We've also had to ring fence the Royal Oak as this sits on its own in the main part of the field. We used only the finest old fence posts and stock fencing 'Wombled' from the hedgerow, old bits and pieces that had been discarded by the guardians of the land before us. I'm sure HRH would be very pleased with our resourcefulness, although she might be a bit upset that the neither the Oak or the posts are straight.
Wonky Royal Oak
Fencing looking across the top of the field back towards Parlour Barn
Is it déjà vu? We really didn't fully think through the consequences of putting the little plants in little holes... so now our newly born plants rely on us to keep them alive with a regular feed of water.
Our first response to the problem was to fill a bin with water and take it to the field in the tractor then use a hose and a 12v pump to water the new plantings. It just so happens that our friend Sprogsy a local sheep farmer is putting stock fencing up today and at the same time he's going to put in a temporary water supply to the growing area and a water trough down in the field for the sheep. It's more a stroke of luck than foresight and planning that everything is coming together at the right time. The prospect of getting sheep back in on the land (think lawnmowers) is extremely exciting and then having water on hand next to the growing beds is obviously a much required bonus.
So linking in with the déjà vu... we're having a baby at the end of August. Now some might find it funny, but Sal is cross, so please don't laugh (after all it is nothing to be ashamed of). We have long term hay fever sufferer who is six months pregnant. We also have a field of long grass, and a steady wind blowing the length of it. Think sneezing fits, think of a cross Sally with crossed legs. Who knows perhaps its natures way of getting us ready for wet nappies and extra laundry? If you come to visit and you see her sneezing with crossed legs whatever you do do not dare to snigger, titter, smirk or laugh. "IT IS JUST NOT FUNNY" "OK?"
So cast your mind back to my post on the 'Cropping Plan' and I can confirm that we've created a veggie patch in our field (rather than the garden) loosely following the family size veggie cropping plan from Joy Larkcom's book 'Grow Your Own Vegetables'.
A tractor load of eight and a half tons of compost has been delivered and spread across the beds then rotovated. There's an area set aside for a polytunnel, aside from that there are four 15m x 1m beds for veggies and another four beds for salad. Our organic seed order has been received and many seeds sown so we have plants in the greenhouse ready to be transplanted to the main beds over the next few days. Before the plants are moved we thought it a good idea to knock up some protection from rabbits. I just hope the deer don't get any funny ideas either.
Our woodland received funding as part of a scheme devised by the Woodland Trust to commemorate HRH Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. We liked the idea of becoming a small part of history and while we're not necessarily royalists we felt that the community spirit involved in planting lots of woodlands was a good thing.
In order to be listed on a Register presented to the Queen, the Woodland Trust needed us to provide a name. We always used to call the trees 'the trees' but Liz's list requires something more official and rightly so. The first and only suggestion (thanks Chris n Hev !) was to name the woodland 'Milkwood'. It seemed to make perfect sense given that the field where the woodland now sits has for many years been used as pasture for the cows milked in the building that is our new home. I also like the idea that milk is pure and so far, despite my desire to pour chemicals on our dock weeds, we've managed to avoid using any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
A brief internet search on the name 'Milkwood' presented us with web sites for a gallery, a publishing company, a film company, a play by Dylan Thomas and of most interest to ourselves a company called Milkwood Permaculture based in Australia . If you're interested in sustainable living then these guys offer a host of tips and ideas for a simpler way of living. If we were to be half as active and resourceful as them then we'd be very happy. We can but try. This brings us nicely to a full circle in that the permaculture element is our real reason for planting the woodland. We want to develop our smallholding with the principles of permaculture in mind. The trees will help to create a diverse natural habitat for plants insects and animals to thrive. The benefit to us and future generations will be a natural habitat that is low maintenance but provides efficient food yields, fuel and building materials.
"The ecologically-destructive path we are on is as if all of humanity is in a giant car heading towards a brick wall at 100 miles per hour. Everyone in it is arguing about where to sit. Permaculturalists are some of the only ones who know how to put on the brakes and turn the wheel"
Dr David Suzuki
award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster
We're currently working through a cropping plan to provide enough vegetables to sustain us for as much of the year as possible. There is a host of decisions to make and we're up against the clock to get decisions made so that actions can be carried out in time for the growing season. Issues include: what to grow, quantities and how best to size, locate and prepare the beds. You either know or will have guessed that my experience is pretty much zero when it comes to growing. I'm just the cautious ignorant one slowing Sally's progress. The problem is that Sally is pregnant so she's relying on my co-operation and enthusiasm to get the heavy jobs done.
We are excited we have trees taking to their new home and showing signs of life.
Looking down a guard to find leaves
Sal, Sue and a tree growing too.
No ordinary tree
Unfortunately the field is still a little wet in places, certain parts of the new track running through the woodland are impassable even with the tractor.
We've had an amazing few days planting trees with 51 people 2 dogs and 1 field mouse. Long days preparing breakfasts, planting trees, guarding, staking, cooking soup and eating cakes made by kind friends and family. We ate a circus pig, cooked hot-dogs and had home-made apple crumble. I think everyone enjoyed catching up with old friends and getting to know new friends while sharing food and writing messages for loved ones on tree guards leaving all feeling tired but certainly fulfilled and perhaps a bit emotional.
Joe with Mouse
Tree Planting Plan
Despite some minor distractions like having to fix the pipework on the caravan so that our top team of planters could stay in it over the weekend, the driving rain on Saturday and the four wheel drive Delica requiring rescuing from a boggy part of the field... I think we're through the worst of it. It's taken four solid days of planting, which isn't too bad when you see just how much of a difference it has made to the field.
Admiring the hard work in the field
We want to thank everyone who has come to visit and help at any stage. The field has come alive with a swathe of green tree guards, it will be fascinating watching the field change shape and eventually become a woodland. Anyone who has helped is more than welcome to come back and visit to see the changes through the years.
