Orchard Barn, near Stowmarket - 1st July 2007

First Fruits

Since writing the last web page, the Orchard Barn project has grown significantly and rather organically. The flowers of which I spoke in April are now swelling fruit, and there's the unexpected bonus of some excellent green gages (almost ripe). The two walnuts are laden with nuts. Life is rich, with the promise of first fruits abundant.

However, not all is rosy. About 6 weeks ago, after some enthuisiastic lopping and chopping of compost material, I pulled a muscle in my left elbow area. On a physical level it really slowed me down, but gave me some very necessary head space to think about how I wished to structure the barn project. (Whilst I had been merrily chopping nettles and brambles I felt like I was making progress, but it was only on a physical level.) It is looking likely that I will form a not-for-profit company that has broader community support and greater possibilities for collective growth.

So, now the overview is becoming clearer, time for some detail about what the overview is about ..... When I first saw the site, it was the trees, the undulating land and the ditches that I fell in love with. The barn and ruined house were a bit of a bonus. I've been asking the land and the trees what wants to happen there and this is what I understand so far...... The old fruit trees want to be propagated and grown on. The Walnuts and Hazels want to be grown on from seed and the Elms want to be grown on from root division. Oak, Ash, Holly and Maple would like to be grown on from seed. A tree nursery is growing - if only at the planning stage. I sense a community supported orchard/wood in the ether ...... and here are the historic roots of it .....

 

From old maps it is clear that there were many small orchards in the Ringshall/Battisford area. Sadly the orchard trees that have survived at Orchard Barn are probably the last remnants. So far I know there are two Walnuts of different varieties, about 5 Apples, one ancient and very tall Pear (maybe a second Pear, but time will tell), several Green Gage and some other plummy scrubby trees that will become identifyable soon, several Hazels. I am so glad to be their human steward/caretaker and I look forward to doing my best by them all, but I can't do it all by myself. I may hold the broader dream/vision for it all, but I need your help to make it happen.

Soon, I will be putting together a list of areas of help that is needed. In the meantime - does anyone have the skills to help me make an accurate map/survey/recording of what flora and fauna is actually there? Could someone take accurate photographic evidence of how it all is at the moment? (Video/stills) Later in the year, we need to collect the tree seed and rabbit proof an area for the tree nursery. Have been in contact with the Green Light Trust and am very inspired by theire vision - which is to support communities to plant trees together.

About the barn ... planning permission is a little slower in growing. Have decided the most expedient course of action is to initially apply for permission to repair - like for like - the front of the barn. Hopefully, permission will be granted by the end of August. Have been talking with a green oak framer who is available in September. He is willing to 'teach' people about his craft, so if you know of anyone who would like to learn this historic building skill from a genuine craftsman working with local wood, just get in touch. Places will be limited and be on a sliding cost scale (depending on income and interest).

There will also be the opportunity to learn about lime mortar and traditional brick-laying. Do you know of someone who is looking to enhance their building skills?

Might you like to join us for a working party at Orchard Barn? There's plenty to do - from drawing/photographing some of the flora and fauna to ditching to composting to tea-making. It's a great way to work with like-minded others in nature, tune into a slower pace of life, enjoy working in a physical way in a beautiful, yet wild environment. It's also very rewarding to 'find' areas that are currently overgrown and to (slowly) make compost out of the undergrowth. Soon, there will be fruit to harvest, and when the weather is a little dryer, we will be cooking there over a wood fire. Hope to hear from you soon, much love and Summer Blessings to you, Sarah

PS My elbow is greatly recovered, but I am treating it with great respect!

More about our Beltane weekend at Orchard Barn and Sanctuary when we created altars to the 4 Directions

More about Orchard Barn (February 2007 diary page)

Visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk (launched August 2007) for much more information about the project.

 

Annette and Marilyn 'finding' the north

Photos taken by Sarah Partridge