December

The River Dee was going down reasonably well until some rain and a hint of snow last Thursday. At least no more heavy rain fell, so I was able to walk back onto the field after last months inundation:

I'm not a big fan of putting signs up here and there, but hopefully one on the access track might put off a few of the unwelcome visitors:

Reasonably handy timing, as it looks like fly-tippers are active again in the area. A load of household rubbish / building debris has been dumped across the access to the allotments just over the border...

Not much work done on the land due to the weather and wet ground, although the last couple of days have been pleasant enough to prepare for replanting a gap in the south hedge (and clearing the remains of an old ditch).
Mainly hawthorn to go in, but with random blackthorn and the odd dog-rose, as well as a reasonable sized oak salvaged from the neighbour.

The grass isn't looking too bad, although i'm sure the wet year and extra flooding have exacerbated historical contours.
Also a different mower to try behind the small tractor, particularly for around the orchard trees.

catch up

I'd overlooked how long it has been since last writing anything in my blog...
(I post a few things on Twitter @meadowcopse although not always just on my meadow and orchard musings).

Since August, some extra distractions with extra time spent in relation to my proper job (not the most environmentally sensitive occupation) and a few social events, excursions and notably for 2012 interruptions due to rain.

Back to the field, trying to manage the grassland, particularly around the orchard trees in the wet weather proved problematic - particularly with an inundation from the River Dee at the end of September.
Again this year I've left a proliferation of meadowsweet in the open grass area to go to seed.

A noticeable quantity of voles were nesting, but also several owls locally and a fox.
I do wonder how wildlife survives and recovers after flooding? The plot is in a floodplain, but hedgerow and grassland wildlife is noticeable, although I have spotted a couple of drowned moles.

A modest crop of cider apples have gone off for a trial brew, It will be interesting to see how the larger transplanted trees perform next year.
A start on filling the gaps in the hedgerow with hawthorn, some blackthorn, dog roses and an occasional oak and ash. The latter are from my own local seedlings, although the Chalara fraxinea problem has some sobering implications on plant movements we take for granted in a horticultural context.

A couple of signs of minor anti-social activities along the access track, but otherwise quiet probably due to wet weather and poor ground conditions.

Still a few gaps in local history to fill between the Chancery Deeds from 1150-1450, the estate enclosures map of the 1700s and tithe map of the 1800s. At least one of the boundaries is 400+ years and a marker stone from between a corner tree roots was rather heavily hauled to Chester Grosvenor Museum for a look over.

Over winter a couple of projects to get on with, including a planting backlog of a few more heritage variety fruit trees.

Trips out and about have included walks in The Peak District, Wharfedale, Witney Wood Fair in Oxfordshire, Bristol, Derbyshire - interesting landscapes, historic houses and fine food and drink along the way.

grass

Work, weather and other commitments have reduced my recent time down at the field. The rain has meant the grass and other herbage has grown to the point where it needs some prompt management since the last tractor cut in May.
Too late and too far gone to make hay, any length has layered with the rain and a return of extra buttercups has seen a proliferation of black mould underneath.
There looks to be a proliferation of voles and a few field mice. (Regardless of the grass acreage, I try to keep a 2 metre circle clear around each of the orchard trees.
The leaves on these here and there have moisture related fine moulds / mildew and rusts, otherwise a reasonable quantity of good new leaf growth.

The underpass by the bypass next to the field got its first bit of significant graffiti since I repainted it over a year ago, application with a scourer and a bit of petrol has got most of it away - just needs a light wash over with a bit more masonry paint. (I wouldn't mind so much if there was any hint of artistic talent,  skill or wit).

Some archaeology work has been going on at the castle the other side of the river, but back on the English side, some geophysical field survey work. (For my own interests, I've been looking back at yet more ancient deeds from the National Archives web portal.

Late the other evening I could hear owls and foxes very close. Ended up working quite late with the Austrian scythe - excellent for sorting the grass where the tractor topper would fail and even the Allen Scythe struggle a bit.over

juggling time

A disjointed couple of weeks...
Unpredictable and often intense or continuous rain has left me behind on a few outdoor tasks at home and at the field.
The grass (and weeds) have grown a fair bit and the longer grass has layered a bit with all the rain.
I took some time out for visits here and there, noseying through relatively local landscapes.

The National Vegetation Classification grassland study day locally was excellent. I'll definitely be looking at more courses - handy being less than a couple of miles from my plot too.

An independent survey carried out on the orchard, a few more tasks to carry out correcting and protecting whilst things are still relatively young. (A few more apples on the trees than I would have liked so early in their life-span, I'm sure I nipped more buds out).

A decent book picked up after coffee & cake in Oswestry - A Northern Marches Pomonia.
Whilst over that way, a visit to some woodland I helped replant and look after.

The Austrian scythe is excellent, I'm really pleased with it and it has proved quite useful at the field.

A weekend away at The Secret Garden Party Festival - not much gardening (initially a lot of rain on the Thursday), but quite a scenic and interesting setting and a good lecture on alternative modern farming in one of the fringe tents.

Back at the field and it has been intensely sunny for a few days. Some time spent clearing vegetation from around the fruit trees, ther looks to have been quite a bit of vole activity.
At home some more of the tree stocks potted on and a minor bit of machinery and implement tidying and maintenance.
Next week another big mow if we have a few sunny days on the run...

time marches on

I've had the meadow 2 years now, although planning and preparation to be a custodian of a small project plot of land has been over a longer period...

Two summers in succession appear quite different, last year was rather dry, the newly planted fruit trees requiring additional watering. This year there are flood alerts at what should be the height of summer.

I'm stuck at work at the moment, some weather delays and other issues could overlap into next week's shift change, I'm hoping the travel backlog rapidly clears.
Uncle gave the field a look over, certainly increasing grass growth and a bit damp. The trees with apples on seem to be doing well.

I had a quick look at The Hampton Court Flower Show on T.V. There were a few locally made Gabriel Ash glass-houses in various show gardens.
Timing and my work rota means I haven't been able to visit many shows this year.

Locally, I looking forward to be on a habitat / vegetation course, near to the field with Wildlife Workshops.
The weather will dictate what I do for the rest of June outdoors.

Forestry Panel Report

After the public outcry last year at the proposed Forestry Commission break-up and sell off, the 72 page Independent Panel Report was published today.
The 'Save Our Woods Campaign' has also published a response...

On Twitter and in the media, at least one NGO The Woodlands Trust, has been quick to comment at the report publication.
It is a shame that NGOs were reluctant to comment at the proposed forest estate sell-off until the public disquiet had reached a noticeable critical mass.
Some have speculated a general silence at the time on the issue by major conservation organisations was because of an interest in carve-up opportunities.

It will be early 2013 before (if) the Government act on what are at present recommendations in the report.
I have singled out The Woodland Trust above, as I'm seriously considering my membership. Their inertia regarding a stance on the proposed sell-off and more recently their corporate sponsors.
These include Ikea and Forest Holidays.
Controversial revelations suggest Ikea's timber extraction business has compromised swathes of former USSR forest in an unsustainable manner.
Forest Holidays (this years corporate sponsors of the Woodland Trust) have a controversial planning application for holiday homes in Delamere Forest here in Cheshire.

Working full-time in the oil & gas industry, I must consider all this from a pot and black kettle scenario with respect to looking after my own 2 acre plot with conservation leanings... One thing is certain, money doesn't grow on trees, so I understand the need of an organisation for fund-raising above just membership subscriptions. Alternative funding shouldn't compromise principles though.

Another swathe of public estate that changed this week (almost un-noticed in various media) is the former British Waterways which has become the Canal & River Trust.
There have been various proposals to sell off and fragment the canal network since it's nationalisation and commercial / industrial decline.
In recent years it has seen a boom in leisure business and like the Forestry Commission more than broke even in it's entirety. I cynically wonder what will happen to potential development land along Britain's canals and properties which at present endow the canal network in a financial level of sustainability?

Closer to home (or at least the plot), there are proposals for a 1 giga-Watt gas power-station on the Wrexham Industrial Estate.
The first I had heard of it, trying not to be too N.I.M.B.Y.istic, I couldn't help but look if large gas-lines or power-lines were going to plough across my field.
The east side of the Industrial Estate around Ridley Wood / Bowling Bank might end up with some large gas-main excavations.

work and weather

Busy on a remote island with the proper job at the moment.
Back at home, the rain continues and the grass continues to grow. At least the River Dee level remains sensible.

There seems to be a small rural crime wave.
From Cheshire Police Western Rural web pages:
Friesian cows stolen
Tractor thefts
Also, actor Ricky Tomlinson's caravan stolen - this from just up the river from the meadow.

A little more background research on some of the more obscure fruit trees I've planted and some revision through the old established books of J.C. Loudon.

Halfway

Being as mid-summer has just passed, some photos of 2012 so far at the meadow and orchard:

travel

Back in Cheshire after an extended weekend away (and a busy week before reducing lush grass at the field after the almost endless rain).

From a very windy wild-camp in The Peak District, I watched the summer solstice sunrise; from Pym Chair above the valley of Thursbitch, also the title of a novel by Cheshire author Alan Garner.

A scenic early morning drive south in less than mid-summer weather and a fine full breakfast at Heyford Wharf alongside the Oxfordshire Canal. Not much spare time to drop into the historic gardens at Rousham this time, but across to Bicester and Bernwode Fruit Trees.
A pair of interesting pear trees and an apple tree that is red throughout (stem, leaves, apples, juice...)

Next stop in progressively wetter weather, Pangbourne.
Edulis Nursery and despite their plant hunting, two specific forms of native Sorbus domestica acquired.
Onwards south of Newbury and through Andover and ironically passing Stonehenge on the longest day, into Devon.
After weeks of rain, everywhere was rather wet. Another scenic setting for a wild camp then an easy day in Devon, stopping by Thornhayes Nursery for yet more native Sorbus trees.
Having experimented with a traditional English scythe back at the meadow, a drop in at The Scythe Shop for a quick well informed practical session and chat regarding the use of an Austrian scythe. I've acquired one for grassland management...

A pleasant evening meal in Exeter and a quick look at the Cathedral frontage which is about to have its first phase of new landscaping.

Friday night saw camp being set up at Rackenford at The Bulworthy Project in their woodland. A relaxed and well presented charcoal course from sustainable wood on their site on the Saturday and a pleasant evening before shutting down the kiln on the Sunday morning.

Further forays across Devon on the Sunday, including a 6 mile Lyme Regis to Seaton coastal walk in sunny weather, then a steady drive north to home with a stop off at Salisbury for food.

Back at the field, I must be one of the few folk in England happy with the weather (although recent river levels of The Dee at Farndon were almost at risk of flooding).
Last Novembers large transplanted cider apple trees would have been a worry if things were dry. An impressive amount of lush leaf an new stem growth on all the orchard trees.

A pleasant chat with a few neighbours, further discussions with the Holt Local History Society and the landscape on the Farndon side in its wider context with respect to the near by castle.
Interestingly a metal detectorist has been seen around the fields (and unconnected with organised surveys of the area), he seemed a bit 'vague' about which field(s) he had permission to dig in.

Back at home I've been going through the stock of fruit trees and native broadleaf trees to transplant at the next opportunity, the remainder of the year will be quite busy.

shopping spree

Briefly separated from the land due to my 'proper job' - relieved there has been a bit of rain (although not much fun for anyone with outdoor engagements and events over the long weekend).
A quick bit of further research before bed-time on Sorbus trees...

I'm interested because of the Sorbopyrus inter-generic hybrid I have as an unusual fruit tree in the orchard. I've since found mention of Sorbo-Aronia hybrids and looked at getting a couple of Aronia (choke berry) bushes out of interest.
Conveniently, Edulis Nursery near Reading have:
Aronia melanocarpa 'Hugin' and Aronoa prunifolia 'Viking' as well as two named forms of the Sorbus domestica - 'pomifera' and 'pyrifera'

Sorbus Domestica has an interesting 'localised' history as The Old Sorb Tree as well as interesting brews (cormier, a cider like drink) made from the berries (more precisely 'pomes') and recently medicinal research regarding diabetes control.

From Foyles Bookshop online, I've ordered Whitebeams, Rowans and Service Trees of Britain and Ireland: A Monograph of British and Irish Sorbus L.
This will hopefully consolidate what I've read from various .pdf files and websites into a coherent overview.

Whilst I was in a tree-buying mood and foregoing a preferred 'local provenance' stance, I spotted a few more Sorbus domestica (as well as a few trees I was after for the field corners and hedges) as cell-grown young trees from Planfor:
10x Prunus avium 30/40cm
5x Sambucus nigra
2x Sambucus racemosa (red berried elderberry)
1x Sorbus intermedia
1x Sorbus aria
10x Prunus spinosa
2x Sorbus domestica

A return down south at the end of the month conveniently puts me near Reading for the trees from Edulis Nursery, so another visit to Bernwode Fruit Trees whilst north of Oxford will take the orchard area to near maximum capacity with:
Apple, Joanating (early fruit)
Pear, Maxstoke Nibbler (small fruits all ripen and drop around the same time)
Pear, Uvedale St Germain (rather large fruit)
Cherry, Nimble Dick (historic variety)

Whilst down south, a weekend towards the end of June using a kiln to make charcoal at The Bulworthy Project, Devon.
If anybody down there has a legitimately spare Sorbus devoniensis sapling I'd be rather interested...

More trees and mowing

A mixed few weeks for weather and events.
The last few days has seen the more positive side of people out and about around the fields who are genuinely interested and care about the outdoors and countryside, compared to the ignorance and irresponsible actions of a few. The neighbour in the field to the north confirmed that the fence damage they suffered leading to the horse fatality was deliberate, blatant and by someone determined to remove the section of fencing.

I took advantage of the rain and moist ground conditions in my first full week off work to transplant more young native trees from pots into the field corners.
After a brief spell walking in Snowdonia, a turn in the weather to intense sunshine.
I also gave the Green Fair at Whittington Castle a look in, always an interesting calendar of events.

A few nights with the tent and dining al-fresco back at the field.
Out with the tractor and mower to cut about 2/3rds of the field area - particularly the orchard area, which seems to carry more general weeds in the grass.
The remaining 1/3rd seems to have better grass density and a lot of Meadowsweet which I have useful plans for.
Next year I hope to progress to proper hay-making...

This last weekend I travelled south again, initially to Bernwode Fruit Trees and picked up:
A historically interesting Medlar 'Senlac' which has suggested origins from the area around King Harold and Hastings.
A Quince, Little Ickford Pineapple.
A Plum, Manaccan (Traditional Cornish variety) on rootstock VVA-1.
An Apple, Tydeman's Early Worcester on rootstock MM111.
Just a case of transplanting and adding to the orchard layout plan

Onwards for a relaxed lunch by the Oxfordshire Canal at Heyford Wharf, then a couple of hours in the historic gardens at Rousham.
From Oxfordshire, an overnight stop at Salisbury and then a quick look at a managed habitat on Pepperbox Hill - always interesting to see other projects...
A relatively new independent wine merchant in Salisbury had some interesting ciders and a Kingston Black brandy type blend.

Back home and a week without rain at the field, so out with the water bowser to give each of the fruit trees and recently transplanted saplings a few gallons before returning to work.
Reassuringly, after last year's safety related hedgerow tree-work - one of the more ambitious re-pollarding attempts has signs of regrowth.

Most of the apple trees are coming to the end of their blossom and have developed fruitlets, nothing significant on the plums, but suddenly almost everything has burst into leaf including the walnuts and mulberry trees.

A post of mixed thoughts

Almost an extra week away with work and a minor river innundation seeped away, leaving the ground moist for the trees and vegetation just as they needed it.

A hurried 'rescue' of  a number of willow trees from a local redundant filter-bed that has an impending appointment with a JCB for clearing out. These have gone in a mixed planting scheme of native broadleaf trees in a couple of field corners.
The grass has grown somewhat over the last few  weeks, but so have a multitude of dandelions and buttercups. A noticeable increase in Cuckoo-flowers in both the open grass as well as field margins.
The orchard trees have all had an extra strim of the grass in a 2 metre radius and most stuff now in leaf bud if not already bearing blossom.

The hedges where cut back have noticeable clusters of new growth, as well as established hawthorn and dog-roses doing well.
A couple more trackway trees became uprooted with the increased water levels.

Annoyingly, another scrambler bike has been to  the edge of one boundary in the neighbour's field as well as damage / vandalism to an adjoining fence - this has been a previous problem with teenagers thinking they are out of the way and wayward walkers roaming away from designated and clear paths.
This has since led to a fatal accident to livestock, due to the careless unthoughtful actions of whoever decided the fence was in their way!

onwards through springtime

Still busy with the full-time job, but a couple of things in the post back home.
A little surprised that the three 'sale' fruit tree plants from T&M had two packaged as bare-root with a sprinkling of compost, fortunately Father has intercepted them into his care and with rumours of grapes already formed on the vine...

Importantly, the River Dee flood level has reduced.

Quite keen for a couple of relaxing days doing odd-jobs on the land (and probably some river debris / drift-wood to untangle). I'm anticipating minimal (if any) damage, and considering how dry the soil was a couple of weeks ago and it's structure I suspect at this time of year the innundation has done some good.
It'll be interesting to see what species are flourishing in the grass, although fewer dandelions would not be a disappointment.

Staring at an aerial view of the plot and it's surrounding land, I'm piecing together some ideas around the significance of the old track along the east boundary.
Observations by others regarding tree lines and boundaries and the nearby castle and older landscape features may link together nicely in a historical context.
Hopefully some overlap with the local history society may lead to further insights...

from a remote island...

Steadily busy with work and with a bit of extra wildlife here 150 miles from land.

Too late for bare-rooted trees now, but Thompson & Morgan had some fruit trees on offer in pots, so I got a Cherry 'Sunburst' and a Victoria Plum and a grape vine for novelty.
No need to worry about water for the trees in the field for now with the rain back at home. The River Dee levels up too for the first time since January's mild flooding.

A quiet week...

A noticeable 'greening' of vegetation at the field.
All of the pear trees are in blossom, the quince not far behind and the 30+ varieties of apple varying from just about to break open buds, through to leaves and blossom. The mulberries and walnuts are still without leaf but the hazels are progressing. The hawthorn and willow in the hedges are well into leaf, including those newly planted.

Quite a few things still to plant throughout the year ahead from stock in pots, including some stuff donated by friends from local seed. A couple of visitors during the week - always pleasant to have a chat about what's happing with the field and also generally locally in the village and just over the border on the Welsh side of the river.
One negative event was local teenagers up and down the footpath on a mini-motorbike and then riding around through a neighbour's crop and disturbing the horses in the next field, the police are apparently aware...

The 'copse' part in the name meadowcopse (a northern European term for pasture / woodland margin) has had some further planting on the narrow east shadier side of the field - this opens out onto a common hazel hedge, before the 6 metre grid planting of the orchard starting with nut trees...

A few more low spots in the grass levelled from last months lorry of topsoil and some work along the gateway planting up gaps with more hawthorns and reducing the spread of soil onto the access track, then reseeding bare soil with a native northern hedgerow wildflower seed mix. The first proper cut of the grass for the year, mainly as with last April to reduce dandelion seeds proliferating, partly backed up by root extraction. 1/2 an acre of grass is left long to the west side, for cutting later in the year (with patches of meadowsweet already breaking through as well as cuckoo flower in a couple of places).

A busy week ahead

Back in Cheshire late last week and recovering from night-shifts. Quite a noticeable difference after two weeks away from land...

A few hours at the field Thursday and Friday, mainly levelling soil in a few low spots ready for more grass seed.

An over-proliferation of dandelions (fortunately a lot less than last year), have had an attack on two fronts: flowers and leaves sliced with the strimmer and where possible, extensive roots extracted with the Fiskars tool.

A couple of visitors, always a pleasure to share ideas and outlook.
Quite a bit of wildflower growth in the hedgerow coming through and a mystery flower to identify?

A busy week ahead with odd jobs and landscaping to progress.
Meanwhile, a weekend of Goth music in Sheffield before a return to things pastoral...

Just about finished reading a book 'Gardening - philosophy for everyone' some parts are a bit heavy, but more than a few essays overlap wilderness and cultivation with arcadian thoughts and imagery.

Shopping list...

Looking to fill a couple of gaps in the orchard and hedgerow with nursery pot-grown specimens of the following:

Rosa mollis / villosa (soft downy rose)
Rosa stylosa (short styled field rose)

Sorbopyrus auricularis 'bulbiformis'
Sorbopyrus auricularis 'malifolia'
(Shipova / Bolwyller pears)

I'm struggling to find specific suppliers?
(I have 1 Sorbopyrus auricularis from Cool Temperate Nurseries)

The orchard

The present orchard layout detailed on a spreadsheet...
(detail is 'work in progress')

The 'normal' job interrupts planting activities for now, but that also is suffering a few distractions.

:

Spring

A busy few weeks at the field...
Most of the lorry-load of topsoil now used for levelling a couple of low spots

From Meadowcopse 2012

and for planting the last for now of the nut and fruit trees in a traditional orchard setting.

From Meadowcopse 2012

A fine full moon and reasonable weather meant an opportunity to work quite late a few nights:

From Meadowcopse 2012

Although I'm sure the conversation "I think there's someone in that field with a wheelbarrow and shovel..." for the random car that turned up one night down the track at 9pm might have caused the amorous occupants some concern.

Chestnuts, walnuts and a line of named variety and hedgerow hazels now form one edge of the orchard.

From Meadowcopse 2012

A couple of willing helpers moved things on with the planting and preparations:

From Meadowcopse 2012

The overhanging young willows along one boundary have been taken vertical.

From Meadowcopse 2012

This is to get to the blocked ditch and to fix the fencing (and also re-seeding with a native hedgerow wild-flower and grass mix beneath.

From Meadowcopse 2012

A few trees planted too.

From Meadowcopse 2012

The 'copse' part towards the corner of the gateway boundary finally started, mainly with ash, but with a few oaks and others randomised in the mix. (The intention is to coppice in future years).

The east side of the field has had a new section of hedging put in along the side of the gate-way. Hawthorn with a dog-rose and some hedgerow plants.

From Meadowcopse 2012

Quite a noticeable amount of growth with the grass and along the hedgerows - anemones noticeable in the south hedgerow.

From Meadowcopse 2012

The almond tree is in full blossom:

From Meadowcopse 2012

The quince are the first of the fruit trees into leaf, with various bud development on the other trees, particularly pear and hazel.

From Meadowcopse 2012

Quite a bit of wildlife getting lively, lots of birds - the owls calling in the evenings, a woodpecker near by and small mammals in the hedgerows.

Various visitors over the last couple of weeks - welcome and otherwise.
Some interesting chat with regular and random walkers, but a bizarre situation last Saturday afternoon:
Three people, quite smartly dressed with a black & white terrier (a man and woman about 30 and another male about mid-twenties), walking down the access track, then lurking under the by-pass underpass for about 15 minutes and looking across now and then at me planting trees in the field...
They walked on into the field north of the bypass (not a public path, but often used between the riverside path and the trackway footpath). Something seemed 'odd' - I went to the other underpass along the edge of my field and the 30 year-old was just about to spray graffiti on the concrete structure. He tried to hide the can in his jacket pocket, a polite challenge and they went to move on - although the younger male protested "It's a public walkway!" (as if that made it OK and I pointed out that actually it wasn't).

Meanwhile, I've taken the damaged metal gate from the bottom of the access track for re-welding and repair and to securely refit as soon as possible.

More positively, further pleasant chat with locals and neighbours and a new private alllotment opened up on the Welsh side of the river - also swapped details with a few folk to communicate on suspicious activities and anti-social behaviour.

Get orf my (neighbour's) laand !

Thursday last week started busy - taking the sides of overhanging willow along the north boundary vertical - this is to allow access for fencing and ditch maintenance.
Hopefully when finished I'll be over-seeding disturbed ground with a hedgerow grass and wild-flower mix soon.

I took the opportunity of a fine day and favourable ground conditions to run a cambridge roll over the grass (the individual rings make turning on the plot geometry a lot less messy).
During this, a car came and lurked along the track a few times (Google still haven't taken the StreetView footage down) - It wanted to speed off when I came to the bottom of the field, but 5 people in a small hot-hatch with low ground clearance wasn't a match for the Landrover, even in low-ratio with 1 tonne of roller behind.
They said they were waiting for a mate with a quad-bike, "We've got permission."
"Who off?" "The farmer" "Which one?" (as I scribbled down their reg number) "The one from Farndon..." "Well you won't mind me phoning him to check will you..." "Erm, we were just going anyway."

Saturday was busy again, some ground clearance around the gateway for more hedging plants.
Another car in the evening tucked under the underpass, as I was up the other end of the field - they seemed a bit surprised as I drove down to sort the gates - they seemed quite eager to leave when they realised people were about...
(One of the neighbours has since mentioned suspicious activity and a recent break-in in the area, as well as teenagers larking about late at night at the castle).

The buds are breaking through on the almond and on the quince

From Meadowcopse 2012

From Meadowcopse 2012

First strim & trim of 2012 around the base of the orchard tree mulch, the grass noticeably coming up now.
A couple of pleasant riverside walks to Holt, thanks again to Deli-Fine and Hildegard's for keeping me going when I've not got the camping stove simmering away.

Working late last night with some ground levelling I saw something small move, a newt...

From Meadowcopse 2012

Some fascinating chat over the last few days with some of the regular walkers and people I haven't met before. Some one-off walkers from further away and a few people out of the village who have started to see the changes down at the field and were curious as to what it was about.

Wild birds are really noticeable now, the woodpecker can be heard, but 2 fields away this year, rather than returning of one of the ash trees in the hedge. The owls at night are calling at each other and the buzzards swooping high above and lots of diverse smaller bird life in the hedges.

Another chat with members from the local history society and maybe a bit of a project on the ground this year too...

Fallow fields

My 'proper job' puts a pause on progress at the meadow - despite grey and frosty weather over the last couple of weeks, the grass is noticeably green and wildlife seems sufficiently lively.
A few small bird species noticeable in the hedgerows and the woodpecker is back chiselling away high in an ash tree again. Two herons are regularly in the maize field behind and the buzzards calling from above.

An interesting programme on BBC 2 tonight, Bees, Butterflies and Blooms - mainly about the decline and reintroduction of perennial wild flowers.

A short while ago, a search on geo-tags brought up a link to some stunning local dragon-fly photos. One picture from around 2009 appears to have been taken on some meadowsweet in the field.

A couple of books on the go, I've just about finished Gardening: Philosophy for Everyone: Cultivating Wisdom - a series of essays that are wide ranging, from the Ancient Greeks, Versailles, The English Landscape Garden, Central Park and modern gardens from a philosophical standpoint.
The next book is The Making of the English Gardener: Plants, Books and Inspiration, 1560-1660

Locally, a Landrover and trailer have been stolen from near Malpas.

Sex and drugs and rock & roll

The downside of a remote rural plot down a quiet lane is occasional anti-social and illegal activity in the area.

Not much done this week, at least it was dry for a while with the frost and I was able to level some low spots on the field between the orchard trees.
Too frosty to transplant anything and the weekend started with rain turning to sleet.

A random white Transit flat back truck caught my eye on Friday. I was parked near the edge of the field and near the gate when I saw it drive down the track before it saw me - when it did, it rapidly reversed back and away up the by-pass. Maybe fly-tippers or someone up to no good (didn't get chance to get the reg number).

Saturday was spent at Erddig Hall with the Head Gardener running an orchard and pruning workshop organised through Cheshire Landscape Trust. Rather informative, although the weather was against us for practical sessions outside.

Back to the field late afternoon, but continuous rain prevented anything but a quick wander around. The track by the underpass had a bit of rubbish dropped from car windows (probably enough DNA sexual activity debris for half a TV crime series) and small empty bags of drug related substances - the Police pay a bit of attention to this area, so it's only a matter of time before they intercept someone again.

Back at home I've been going through a load of wild flower seeds in the fridge, but still too early to sow any (although compost and seed trays are stacked up in the workshop ready to go).

I'd hoped the last week would have been a bit more productive for stuff on the 'to do' list, but the weather and ground conditions put a stop to much.
A couple of days out: Oswestry and Sheffield via scenic routes, always inspirational for things in the landscape.

rain stops play

Recovering from 2 weeks of night-shifts facilitated an early start back at home.
Wide awake for 5am - too dark to do much outside, but catching day-break down at the field and moving some of the floated hedgerow wood debris from when the River Dee last came over its banks.

A couple of frosts, but not persistent enough to dry things up and sporadic rain has made the ground greasy underfoot.
Some of the nursery stock of young trees shuffled about at home and a little bit of levelling at the field of a low spot between the cider apple trees.

Another spell looking over the 1735 map and overlapping modern features in the landscape.
A couple of enigmas to resolve - a LIDAR aerial view and depressions in the ground match a 90 degree boundary marked 100+ meters further south than expected. The map also pre-dates alterations to 'Appleby's Drain' the ditch from Crewe-by-Farndon that drops into the River Dee.

From History

A pair of herons again in the maize field behind.
Not much pencilled in for the weekend, other than organisational things...

and a parcel of meadow in Farnedon, pledged to him by Thomas Dicon and Wenthliana his wife

Somewhere in these old Deeds there might be reference to my field...
I have patchy access to nearly 400 years of documents with modern, tithe or old estate maps with direct plot detail.
Prior to 1735 it becomes difficult, although some of those linked in the National Archives are intriguing for their Farndon detail and descriptions.
I've managed to approximate a modern aerial overlay with the copy of the estate map from 1735 and 2 boundaries appear to be well established. The 'lost' track to the south hedgerow is marked as a narrow strip and part of the Leche of Carden estate.
The local long-standing family names of Barnston and Leche appear in strips within the existing boundaries...

The month of January of a new year has almost expired and most of my 2012 to-do list is still in my head - weather, seasons, time and ground conditions permitting for a range of jobs ahead.
The reintroduction of local native plant species at the field margins is a priority for spring, as well as eradication of Himalayan Balsam and a serious reduction in dandelions. Hopefully the existing Cuckoo Flowers will proliferate.

Fences, hedges, tree-planting and grassland management to get on with, as well as servicing some of the machinery used to manage it all.
Still a number of specialist fruit trees to go in... (1 acre of the 2 as traditional orchard at 6m grid spacing has rapidly filled).

Some days and nights ahead camping during longer work-scopes, as well as a few shared and social activities from a local history and wildlife and home-grown aspect and generally enjoying it as a big green open space.

In the nearer future, just a couple of night-shifts left before 2 weeks off work and a pleasant walk along the River Dee and coffee & breakfast at Deli-Fine now they are open again after their New-Year break.

An Englishman's home is his castle...

The land lies briefly fallow whilst I get on with my proper job for a short spell.
I'm surrounded by water for 150 miles in any direction at present, but fortunately back home the River Dee has dropped by a few metres.
The field was accessible last week, with a few inches of water in low spots and Monday saw just a large puddle. I'll carefully level and re-seed the grass where it is low around the orchard trees.
Noticeably, each time the river floods, ladybirds cluster at the top of fenceposts...
I was a little surprised to see the bees high up the hollow ash tree particularly active.
A couple of herons on the lower wet fields, geese and ducks noisy in the evenings and still the ocasional large bird of prey in the hedgeline that seems larger than the buzzards.
I'm now thinking the large paw print is not a badger, but a mystery - probably a large dog, as the only similar large cat would alarmingly be a puma!

An email from the County Records Office - 3 digital images now on CD of a large 1700s estate map showing good detail of various land holdings east of the River.
In my spare time, a little more local history and landscape research, although I'm particularly keen to liaise with the local history society regarding field walks and features in the landscape. Some intriguing hedgerow and track alignments spanning both sides of the river, particularly near the remains of the castle.
The Castle has a mixed history, such things tend mainly to be symbols of Welsh suppression, but the English haven't always had things their own way and some cross-border aliances and liaisons crop up in old deeds - although the drowning of two young members of historic Welsh aristocracy whilst under the guardianship of John de Warren in the 1300s leaves a folk tale of wailing voices beneath the Holt-Farndon Bridge on certain nights of the year...

While the river was up, I took some time at home to organise the remaining specialist orchard trees ready for the next planting session and considering the options for local variety wild-flower trial beds.
Then it was briefly off to Wiltshire, a stock up of some tools and consumables from Scats farm supplies at Salisbury, a few small items from a garden centre and a meander around a few riverside winter landscapes.

Some calendar filling for the year ahead - a few music festivities booked further afield, but some interesting local events on the horizon,
Whittington Castle (about 20 miles away) has a Green Fair, a Plant Hunter Fair and some interesting historical re-enactment days (as well as being an interesting place to visit near Oswestry). All the events I'm interested in are during spells when I'm away from my shift-work.

Not directly linked to my interests, but something in the news that wound me up, was the extradition hearing for Richard O'Dwyer where the US of A weren't happy (despite no UK crime) about his website hosting links to media downloads - he made a comparison to how Google works...
This reminded me that a Google Street-View vehicle had used and filmed along the gated private access track for which I have a legal right of use. I'll see how handy they are at acting upon a take-down request for privacy reasons...

A start to 2012...

I saw new year in at the field and stopped overnight.
Rather than the tent, I'd been given a 6ft x 4ft garden shed that was surplus and with a bit of reconditioning, adjusted it to fit across the width of the plant-trailer on skids.
Together with the large picnic bench, base-camp was set up and a grey-squirrel stew on the go over a camp fire.

From Meadowcopse 2012

A couple of visitors saw a mild and relaxed start to the New Year, the spring oak-leaf wine ensured a very relaxed and comfortable retirement to a fishing bed-chair and thermal sleeping bag.

Morning came and just enough time to re-light the fire for tea and biscuits and a short walk along the River Dee until torrents of rain curtailed much for the morning. Giving up it was back to the sleeping bag with a book and nodding off.

A knock at the door (a novelty for a field in the middle of nowhere) - an old friend from school bearing mince pies just as the rain ebbed away...
A fire going again once the rain held back, then warm mince pies and hot drinks and a walk around the river and fields looking at landscape features and some interesting ideas regarding its history and approaches to the castle and river crossings.

Another night camping - a touch of frost but followed by rain, so a good cooked breakfast for Monday mid-morning. Another riverside walk, with the river level having come up a bit higher but the ground not too wet underfoot.
Some minor hedgerow tidying and a small oak seedling discovered in full leaf.
A little bit of soil levelling and then the trailer loaded up for home.

From Meadowcopse 2012

Tuesday came with automated messages from the Environment Agency regarding rising River Dee flood levels, during the day things remained dry on the ground, but a grey damp and cold day for getting anything done.
For the evening I took the chance to attend the public Parish Council meeting - efficiently and sensibly conducted...

Wednesday saw about half of the field with water up to about 8 inches deep, not much to do with it until the river levels subside.

From Meadowcopse 2012