Orchard Barn, near Stowmarket - 24th April 2007

Regeneration

Two months after buying a derelect barn in 1.25 acres of even more abandoned orchard, Sarah Partridge writes about how the site is 'coming back to life' and teaching her more than she even thought possible.

'I'm 'blown away' by the stunning blossom on the ancient apple and pear trees at Orchard Barn. It's abundant and pest-free. The trees don't appear to have been pruned or cared for in decades, yet despite their external form, they are totally present, alive and gorgeous. I feel very blessed, almost intoxicated by their presence. Their ability to regenerate themselves is a lesson to us all. To what extent can we 'recreate' ourselves to grow with the natural cycle of the year? What buds and flowers can we grow out of the seemingly dead wood of our lives?

Learning from Nature at Orchard Barn

The spirit of the place/site/nature is teaching me so much about 'going with the flow', trust and 'being with what is'. Time takes on another dimension there. More and more I want to work slowly and mindfully with the land and the plants that are there. The Elms are especially sacred to this site - numerous clumps of regrowth appearing from below ground level. Their regeneration visibly demonstrates the vigour and power of nature at this time of Beltane.

The birds are teaching me about co-habition - Mrs Blackbird moved into my 'kitchen/toolshed' two weeks ago. She is very tolerant of the comings and goings of myself and many visitors/helpers. Five baby Robins now live in main barn. The adult Robins just love the various human diggings and easy provision of baby food. Mrs Mallard and her 13 ducklings enjoy the pond. Can I learn to be more tolerant and work with my human neighbours as well as the bird kingdom?

Conserving natural resources and working with 'what is'

I'm planning for the barn/Yoga centre to be self-sufficient in energy and water, so am looking at rain water harvesting and greywater collection. Without mains water on site, I am learning what a valuable resource it is and how to make a little water go a long way. Two of the annexes will be built of cob - local clay from the hole(s) needed for the rain/greywater tanks. More and more, I love that everything I need is actually already there. Some of the Ash trees that are growing a bit too close to the barn will be transformed into window frames. A local Oak that is badly in need of pollarding (in order to conserve it) will be made available as 'green oak' for repairing the framework of the barn. It's all a matter of thinking laterally and locally. With shearing season not so far off, I'm looking for some local sheep ...... carded wool makes a wonderful alternative to fibreglass insulation!!

Relocation and 'Living Lightly'?

Little did I know when I called my first web site 'live life lightly' what I would learn from that name and the various 'diversions' of life! Orchard Barn Yoga Centre is teaching me so much about living lightly. One day, I hope to be able to live there, but in the meantime, I'm going to be camping there some nights in a lovely Bell tent complete with small wood burner - living lightly on the land. I have started to relocate some of my favourite 'wild' plants from the garden at Sanctuary to the ditches at Orchard Barn. There is so much more space for them to romp away there! My collection of rocks/stones have begun to migrate too. Planning permission is almost ready to be applied for and then my beloved home 'Sanctuary' will go on the market. Might you know of anyone looking to move to this neck of the woods? It's only 5.5 miles from Sanctuary to Orchard Barn, so it would suit someone who is looking to actively get involved with the teaching and heart-centred, low-tech community project that's growing at Orchard Barn. Are you that person?

It's not just the trees that are regenerating themselves - it's also the way in which we interact with each other - starting from grass roots level upwards. Hello!!'

More about Orchard Barn (1st July 2007 diary page)

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

Photos on this page taken by Tony Mounter

The space where the Meditation Room will be

The Courtyard faces West an area for quiet contemplation

'Barn' photos taken by Sarah Partridge