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This project is an edible and useful tree arboretum! There are 60 such trees planted in tree shelters. There is also an newly fenced strip 10 by 100 meters along the top of the field. This has been planted with various things. There is a new forest garden in the top corner of the field by the entrance. The pics were taken a while ago. The mulching system has now been modified to woven black plastic, cut to size from a wide and long roll. It allows rainwater through. This had to be resorted to in order to suppress weed growth. It is held in place with 9" stables. Underneath is the original mulch of wood chips, now rotten down into humus. Annual application of water diluted urine/woodash/veg waste are made in early June. This noxious brew is fermented in a plastic bin. The Crataegus schraderiana is behind a 100 metre by 10 metre fenced area at the top of the field…this is one of the best Hawthorns for eating. The hedge zone was planted with cherry plum on own root stock (see links for suppliers, Buckingham Nurseries are reliable and value price)…and 4 varieties of native wild rose during winter 2009/10. Berries from the edible hawthorns are thrown into this hedgerow area to germinate. The meadow is managed as species rich flower meadow. The hay is cut end July, and then grazed until end December with local breeds of cattle and sheep. I’ve basically given that deal to a local farmer. I concentrate on the tree cultivation for the time being. The project location can be found by doing a search ‘kent lane, robertsbridge, east sussex’ here: bing.com/maps/?FORM=MMREDIR#JndoZXJ... …or on Google Earth. Its the field north of Kent Lane/the red dot with the public footpath crossing it. ..switch to the ‘ordinance survey’ view etc…on Bing. It is 4 miles from Robertsbridge railway station in East Sussex, on the Charing Cross to Hastings line. A pleasant cycle ride through beautiful woodlands. Plenty of excellent wild camping options nearby (it can be visited by rail from London in a day trip) especially round the other side of Darwell Lake. Please make sure that you leave any camping site as though you hadn’t camped there when you leave: www.mcofs.org.uk/assets/pdfs/wildcampin... This is some very special countryside, relatively close to London. The ancient semi natural woodland that covers much of the surrounding area is peaceful and undiscovered by visitors. It reminds me of Ryhope Wood in the book Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock. Rare and iconic species abound such as doormouse, buzzard, roe deer, hornet, shrew, wild boar and the like. If you overnight in the woods you can expect to here the rasping call of badgers, the screaming bark of foxes and the evocative hooting of tawny owls. Roadroar and the city’s polluting stench will fade into memory. However, you will hear occassional aircraft noise as the areas is effected by planes coming over in periodic tranches on their way to Gatwick. The trees are quite young as yet. Download and print out the field planting plan and take this with you. Meadow managment advice and fencing grant from: |
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