Dear readers,
Last weekend was the start of woodworking, as we had quite a few small, Sitka spruce cut from around the edge of what will one day become our Legacy Woodland. This is a major project as it involves reclaiming previously clear felled forest, improving the land, replanting it with native broadleaf trees and creating more hospitable wildlife habitat.
This is the entrance into the new woodland and as you can see, the first of the willows that we planted have already shot up and are now being used for cuttings to plant out a willow bed. There is so much to do here! Willows, hazel, ash and dogwoods to be cut for planting, birch to be planted, spruce to be weeded out, manure spread and then by early summer, after shearing time on the neighbouring farm, there should be many more sheep fleeces to lay as eco-friendly, biodegradable paths. These will allow us easier access onto the degraded, marshy, forest land, planting saplings along the way. As we approach the end of this planting season, we are already preparing for the start of the next one in November, when the process will begin again. We have a couple of weeks remaining to complete the planting and pull out the cut spruce for using on other parts of the project.
We are also trying to get as many willows coppiced and planted as possible. These are some of the long whips cut and planted to grow into arches. This variety is Salix Viminalis, a common, fast growing variety that does well on the wet land. It's good for so many things aside from living sculptures. Willow can be harvested as fodder for the ponies and goats. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, being a natural source of the chemical component associated with aspirin, and it can be carved. I've just been told that a willow flute is an instrument to behold.
On the topic of carving, cherry wood is very good for whittling and we have enjoyed learning how to carve wooden mushrooms. We should be holding more crafting get togethers during our '28 Days in May', which will comprise four weeks of Frugaldom based events. But more on that at a later date. For now, we are inviting you to come along at weekends and experience Frugaldom for yourselves. Bring wellies and gloves if you plan on helping out or a camera and binoculars if you plan on spotting wildlife. If you would like a cuppa, bring along your own mug.
Email frugaldom@gmail.com to book a parking space and if you are travelling by camper or motorhome, we are licenced for overnight stops. As always, donations are appreciated as we operate Frugaldom on a voluntary basis.
Hope to see you soon and thank you for reading the blog,
Susan at Frugaldom