Work Done In January

On our first day on the 7th february we cleared some of the main are of brambles using hand tools only as we deciced using tools such as strimmers was against the ethics of working a small piece of land like this in a sustainable way.

Under the vegetation we found a possible old path, slate spoils and an old chicken shed which we found had rotted and left allot of chemical creosote over about a 4m square area. We decided this area should be quarantined but that it would be an interesting side project to plant phytoremediators; plants which are used to clean-up contaminated soil (possibly alfalfa, ryegrass, willow or poplar). We will also have to be careful with what we do with the material we have removed so as not to spread contamination.

We discussed the species on the site, it was learnt that the larch cones make good fire lighters and that as the Ivy is not actually harming the Ash (other than by excluding it's light) it is not yet necessary to cut it down, especially as it is so good for wildlife. The Ash may be more of a problem in itself as they are very water and nutrient hungry trees. The Cotoneasters are also good for wildlife, particularly birds.

We also discussed mulching methods and are planning on using cardboard to suppress growth for now but also unprinted newspaper (which has been acquired) for when we come to plant. We have decided that a no-dig method is best as it will mean less disturbance to the soil structure and dormant weed seeds and no backbreaking digging! We also discussed how it would be interesting to try growing some filed scale alternative crops, such as Quinoa.