Coedenblog

On the road back home today after a wonderful few days in Manchester. Fascinating to listen to what folk are talking about. Lots of Brexit chat but I sense the possibility is sinking in that it will actually happen and may even not be as bad as first feared. Nothing much on Climate change not even a whisper on Extinction Rebellion Interestingly I chatted to someone about the demonstrations in London recently that closed off London bridges by non violent direct action.

My latest eco-not word is ” whitebait” I didn’t realise it isn’t a species of fish but the generic name given to immature fish of a wide variety of species. Strictly controlled in only a few places in order to conserve future mature fish stocks. The taking of small fry is generally considered to be “not ecologically viable”.You can explore the sustainability of most fish species on the web site of The Marine Conservation Society. Excellent site

Early start today and lots to do.

Planting carrots. Two ways, 5metre strips of carrots properly spaced. Nice and easy but expensive!

Then planted 6 rows of Berlicum Italian seed. Closely spaced. Room for 6 more rows

Finished off the runner bean bed, dug over and trenches filled with Merlins Green compost and sheep dung manure. Covered over with bio degrading paper.

I’ll plant through the fabric along the string lines. Lot of fuss but may be worth it.

Andy, Alex and Martin on the hill today. Great to have the company of friends.

Last lap preparing a cabbage patch for Lucy’s plugs. Firm ground with addition of compost and fish, blood and horn. I’d planted a small beech hedge with saplings from our neighbours Geoff and Jenny. Glad to say they are starting to leaf.

Long day but very enjoyable. Early bed methinks

Alex trapping skills have netted him a surprised pheasant. Not sure what the future holds for the bird but glad to see one of these darned pests trapped. George Monbiot described the uncaring way these birds are reared so as to provide shooting “sport” and then abandoned once the “season” is over http://www.monbiot.com/2014/04/28/the-shooting-party/. Written in 2014 ,it sets out a revealing picture. George is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. God bless him and hope he has a speedy recovery

You can just spot the birdy!

The water tank is fixed and I managed to fill the lower tank. The challenge being to siphon water down a pipe without getting a mouthful of dirty water. Physics to the rescue- immersed a length of hose under water so all air is out and it’s full of water. Then keeping one end in the water lift the other end out and fasten to another hose. Hey presto a strong flow down the hill.

Planted up two patches of garlic planted through the biodegradable fabric. Just might work.

The reservoir for the water off the hill has leaked at the tap. Time for a quick fix with a thin branch wrapped in plastic. Hope it holds!

The hard work next. Edged the garlic (late) and onion patch with old planks. Anything to keep couch and buttercup at bay.

Last job a good dose of well rotted manure from Steve Shop’s sheep fields. Also bone meal. Ready to plant in a day or two. Did want to plant through my bio fabric but I don’t think it’s robust enough. Time for a trial me thinks.

Alex has done a brilliant job on the track with rain water run offs and consolidating the turning area. Much needed as Tony has the cattle herd back on the hill.

Must go as sun is shining and the call of the wild is strong. X

Up on the hill for a mornings joy. We planted potatoes and strawberries and weeded our two rhubarb plants.

Using bio degradable material for the strawberries. Will it be effective? Hope it keeps the weeds down and aids water retention.

Two kinds of potatoes, International Kidney and Charlotte.

Back on the hill this week to sow onions and garlic.