Summer at Rails Farm
New natural pond
What an odd year: first the long cold spell of April, then the rainy and cold May, and now for summer lots of heavy rain fall and a heat wave are predicted. Looking beyond our borders already shows extreme heat in British Columbia, Siberia and Washington State where they measured a 10 degrees higher temperature than previous all-time records. This is undeniably climate change in full gear. Hence, Rails Farm is doing whatever possible to combat this devastating development. After planting more than 200 small trees this year and laying parts of our hedges we have started to establish a fairly large natural pond (4 metre diameter) in front of our cottage. We re-established a small one six years ago (1 metre diameter). We will combine both and will feed it with the grey water from our bath and basin from the bathroom. This project is to test the principle of the WET system (Wetland Ecosystem Treatment, Biologic Design Ltd) which is planned for either this or next year. Via planting a variety of vegetation around and in the pond, the water will be cleaned by bacteria living in the root area. Hence, we are using the grey water as a resource instead of as waste.
Tree warden
Other good news is that Rails Farm has its first ‘tree warden’. Annabelle, who finished her A-levels this year, is taking care of all the newly planted trees by weeding and mulching them. That will help all the trees to grow by not having to compete that much with other vegetation.
Grow-a-row project
In the last editions I wrote about the Grow-a-row project. If you would like to take part, now is the time to get in contact and tell us what you would be happy to contribute. Please contact us or the initiator Ros Norton at rosecanna@outlook.com and take part in this fantastic project (more details in last editions).
Unfortunately, due to lack of participation, I decided not to continue the quiz.
Cheerio,
Christoph