A snake in the grass

Hello again from Loch Doon, and it's a rainy morning here! Though I can't complain, I've pretty much got a day off and I'm sitting writing this with a fire going and a cat next to me, purring contentedly in her sleep!

So, you may have noticed that I have not been very good with my blog updates...there are a few reasons for this. One is that I'm usually heading to bed at around 8:30pm as I'm so tired! So it doesn't give me much time to do anything. Plus, when I do finish for the day, I'll be honest, I rather prefer sitting down to watch Heartbeat with a cup of tea and some tapestry, than writing this! 

So...what's been happening here since I wrote last? Well, I actually had to go and check my last entry! It's been a whole week since I updated...bad Liz! On Wednesday and Friday I was lucky to join Geoff at a school that he was doing some work for. It was so much fun and a really good chance to experience working with the willow, rather than just cutting and cleaning it! The school wanted a dome with a set of tunnels and then a twigwam and a 'fedge', (mix between a hedge and a fence....so a living willow fence) that went around some benches that had been installed by BTCV, (link here).

I initially helped by marking out some of the willow that would be used to make some of the tunnels. To plant willow, black woven plastic is dug in and marks out the area to be planted. Throughout the time at the school, possibly all the school children were brought out to help with the weaving. This was really good as it gave the chance for the children to have a "hands on" experience. It also meant that as Geoff was working, I often explained to the kids what we were doing and why. Back to teacher mode for me! I started by asking if they knew what the material was that we were working with: most got it correct, though we had a few bamboos in there! I then asked them, (or they asked me) why the black plastic was there. I asked them what plants need to grow, and they all knew that it was sun, water and food. I explained that the plastic was woven to let water through, but not sunlight. I then explained that willow was very clever. Most trees, (though not all!) need a root ball to plant, but willow is special in that you can place just a stick of it in the ground and it will grow roots. We put the black plastic down to stop the grass seeing the sunlight and it gives the willow a chance to grow. In a few years, the plastic isn't needed. I then would show the children the planting bar. This is a slightly heavy metal pole, with a bar across for your hands and half a bar about 6" from the bottom. You stamp on this bar to make a hole in the ground, (and break through the black plastic) and this makes it so much easier to plant the willow! (Hard boots are an advantage though!). When the children were helping, I had already created the tunnel 'uprights' and tied them together and willow has a habit of unbending! We then worked together weaving in diagonals to the frame. This creates a lovely pattern and adds stability to the tunnel. After we had placed diagonals both ways, Geoff would come and weave in the tips of the shoots into the tunnel. This is quite complicated as willow won't usually grow back on itself. Imagine a shoot filled with water...if the water is pouring down into the tip, the tip won't grow. This is how I thought of it anyway!

After I had done the diagonals for the tunnels and helped Geoff a bit more, he said I was ready to do my own 'twigwam'! I have never seen one before so I was quite nervous! Geoff showed me what to do at every stage though, so I was ok! First, we selected the spot where the twigwam would go. I then used two planting bars tied with string to mark out a circle. I used some willow shoots to plant into the ground, and used my foot and a bit more as spacing. I then laid out the plastic and tried to make a small circle. Not easy on strips of plastic! But I got the hang of it by the end. Digging in the plastic is easy once you've had a few go's. After years of experience, Geoff and Jane know that digging in is the most reliable way of secure it down...staples come out, rocks don't work. All it takes is a spade to 'tuck' the edge of the fabric back down and slightly underneath in the soil. As I went along, I made a hole and replaced the willow on the top of the plastic. This done, I replaced the shoots with slightly larger ones, having cut a small section from the bottom to 'wake up' the shoots. If the base dries out, there is obviously less chance of it growing. Geoff then showed me how to attach all the uprights at the top and make an inverted cone shape. I then did the usual diagonals going both ways and started to weave in the tips. Geoff added some more shoots to make an entrance and then tied the top with some softer willow. Then it was finished!

On the Friday I helped Geoff put up the fedge and worked with more children! The younger ones were impressed when I measured a year old shoot of willow next to their five year old bodies! It was a good visual comparison! Hopefully the structures should grow well and put out lots of shoots which can be trimmed down or woven into the frame. Geoff is always very busy this time of year as he is dependent on the seasons....Plant after the end of March and the shoots won't root. Willow seems to store it's energy all along the shoot, so even if it's planted later, and if there are no roots, it will use the stored energy to push out lots of leaves. However, this is it's 'swan song', in effect, and may not last. Hence Geoff has had a lot to do in these recent months!

I was really grateful to Geoff for letting me help. It was a nice change to work directly with the willow and now I can make my own twigwam and maybe have a go at tunnels and a fedge! It was also great to be working with children again, and seeing their excitement as the work was created. It was also wonderful to be outside all day. We left the farm around 6:45, (gulp!) and arrived at 7:45 ish. We then worked until around 5/6ish and I just enjoyed the outdoors. Obviously we were lucky in that we had great weather, but sitting and eating lunch outside, and all my breaks outside...it made me realise that I want to be doing a job that is....wait for it....outside! I've even started to get freckles now, in March! And I feel much better overall, (though I am fighting off a cold...I'm blaming children and their bugs!). I'm sleeping incredibly well, due to the combination of fresh air, lots of physical work and getting up early! 

Talking of the great weather...on Thursday I even got sunburnt! I was on the farm with Jane and in the morning planted a plum tree.  You can see in the picture that the tree is surrounded with rocks...They were in the soil...it's very very rocky around here!

I then did some pruning on Jane's fruit bushes, putting to use what I'd learnt and Jane and Tony's in York. I tried to shape up and thin out the bushes, removing any branches that crossed, but taking care not to remove the paler shoots, as they are the ones that produce fruit. I enjoy this as I like shaping the plants and predicting their growth. The little details, like making sure that the buds are on the outside to where you cut, so they will grow out rather than in, I find interesting. I'm a simple girl!

After that, I went to help Connie who is building a sweat lodge in one of the fields here. She explained all about them, but it would take up too much space here! They are however, used for all sorts of things, and she was taught by a native American, so she knows her stuff! 

I'd planned to have Saturday and Sunday off as my boyfriend was visiting, and I was pleased that the weather held, and was sunny both days! I showed him Ness Glen and Castle Douglas and took him on a little tour of the area. We both agreed that this area of Scotland is beautiful and by the end he didn't want to leave! We also cooked a roast for Geoff and Jane and another wwoofer, Peter, who was staying over the weekend. It was tasty and went down well! I was glad to have done it as a thank you to Geoff and Jane, as they are so welcoming and they feed me so well! 

This week so far I've been helping Jane. Monday I was quite tired, I think with the clocks changing, and so we did some gentle weeding! We also planted a quince near the house. Again, some more rocks! I also started sorting the cut willow behind the polytunnel as the larger longer pieces can be used by Geoff for garden borders and various other things! Tuesday Jane and I set to work on the willow field, with me digging in the plastic that's been laid down for about 10 months, and Jane planting willow. The only problem is that the field is full of clumpy grass! So compared to the previous digging in of plastic...this was A LOT harder! Luckily the weather was nice and we managed to get some done, with Jane going ahead and forking up large bits of grass. Hopefully it should mostly stay in. Fingers crossed. There was some excitement at the end of the morning, as I came across an adder sunning itself in the grass! 

It gave me a huge shock as I've never seen one before, but like most things, it was more cautious of us that we of him. When we came closer he slithered off under a clump of grass. It has made me stamp about now when walking near there so they have chance to move!

In the afternoon, we started a bonfire in one of the fields. I also finished trimming the willow for Geoff to use, and there's even more to sort! I nearly forgot, I was back on polytunnel mending with Jane, as there were three large tears. This time we used brown tape which seems to work well! It's not water tight, but it will stop the wind ripping it even more.

It was lovely sitting outside in the sun, watching the bonfire burn, and feeding it occasionally. Being more in touch with the elements is very healing to the soul I think. Having said that, as soon as it rains, Jane and I stay indoors! We are both feeling under the weather though, so a break is good for us. Plus it give me chance to update this!

Right, think that's all I can possibly write for now! This entry's been a bit of an essay, so sorry about that, but I hope you've enjoyed catching up with what I'm up to!

A Cat among the Willows

So I didn't update yesterday, mainly because I was doing what I have been doing, that is....cutting willow! It was a sunnier day so we set to work cutting and grading the shoots. The cat kept joining us and wanted to sit in my lap a few times, which didn't help my work! I was using a stool to sit on as crouching for long times starts to get to my back. It was beautiful as the snow slowly melted in the sun. 

In the afternoon, I went for a wander up the fields to see the building that someone had done a few years ago, having been allowed the use of the land by Geoff and Jane. It really is beautiful and sitting well in the land. The style is similar to a straw baled house, (which it is) and wood is very much enjoyed!

Today we headed out in the rain (ew) to finish cutting the willow in the back field, which we finally did! 

I then reattached the tube which captures the rainwater from the polytunnel and directs it into a waterbutt. Having already worked with polytunnels, the key is to make sure it is BONE DRY! This time, I used brown tape, and it really does attach well. It's a good way of capturing water. I often wonder about all the water that is caught from the roof....why don't we all use more water butts? If I'm ever lucky enough to build my own house, I'm going to make sure that any water I can capture, I will! The first place I stayed at wwoofing used water from the stream for the shower and taps. It was so pure and nice to know that I wasn't wasting water in a way.

Later on today, I got to use the shredder for the smaller willow offcuts. It was fun!!! I enjoy machines :)

The chopped up bits then go on the compost and are said to be great. 

Well, I have a day off tomorrow, so, after having a look at some tourist sites....I think I shall head to Castle Douglas for a mooch. It is a food town, so that makes me happy! 

Or...maybe Galloway Wildlife Park? OR perhaps Stranraer? Or even The Burns Museum?

Decisions...decisions....

Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Well, what a change in weather! I must say I was glad yesterday was so lovely, otherwise today might have been tough as my first day! 

Today the view from my window was a little different! The snow had started to fall and by the afternoon it was falling in huge flakes like feathers. 

As Geoff was working at a school today, Jane and myself moved some of the larger willow that had been cut to over near the van, ready for sorting, getting the biggest and wettest job out of the way! I then did some sieving of compost in the polytunnel for some containers that will be planted out with seeds and grown inside in a propigator. After that, while Jane used up some mangos by making some delicious smelling chutney, I sat and wiped off some bundles of stripped and dried willow that had got wet and dried with a little mould on. It's a repetative job, but simple and satisfying! We also listened to the radio to keep us going.

After that had been done, we stopped for a late lunch and then I was free to go for a walk. 

I headed out well wrapped up and made for the castle that I'd been told about. The walk was stunning, since all the snow had fallen and made everything look like it was a scene from Narnia. The water of the loch was so still that the reflection was amazing. I tried to take a few photos but didn't do it justice.

 I then found Loch Doon Castle. It was pretty interesting, as I found out that there used to be an island on the loch before the level was raised for a hydro-electric scheme. It couldn't be seen though today.

I then took the track back around through the forest, and it was so peaceful. All I heard was the tweet of a few birds and the rushing of the water down to the loch. I finally got back after a two hours walk feeling healthier and achy!

I had a cup of hot earl grey tea, sat down with a magazine and read an article to make your heart ache. It's about the young children who pick through rubbish heaps in Cambodia. These children at the time had no shoes so would be walking through broken glass, needles and used nappies, getting sores and infections. One woman decided to change this. Amy Hanson set up the charity Small Steps Project, to buy wellies. This has extended to mosquito nets, and is also trying to get children off the dumps and into schools. 

First of all, here's the website in order to donate...even one pound will make a difference.

Secondly, why on earth are there these massive rubbish dumps in the first place? One was described as being the size of five football pitches and the rubbish was coming from Europe and Japan. Please please please do all you can to recycle. YES, I know it's a hassle. But think of the alternative...massive disgusting heaps of rubbish in other countries, putting the poorest at risk.

We are lucky enough to have things to recycle. If we even just did a little, it would help. And maybe one day businesses will realise that we don't want our bananas individually wrapped, (Del Monte, I'm looking at you!). And if we do have to have packaging, please, businesses, make it biodegradable with vegatable inks!

So, tins, cardboard, paper, carrier bags, batteries, old chargers....don't just send then to another country as rubbish, ok? 

Right, rant over! 

Just found out that Geoff will be heading to York at the end of the month for a basket-makers event, and it's held in the Mount School, were I used to go! Small world! 

That's all for tonight, I'm bushed from all this fresh air!

Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Who hates Mondays?

Greetings all! 

What a great Monday! I'm sorry if you've had rubbish starts to the week, as I haven't!!! Geoff left early to get to work so Jane and I had a leisurely cup of tea, (no milk!) at 8am then wandered out to the field to cut some willow. 

The sun was shining, and it was a warm day. We worked in rows, cutting the shoots of willow and stacking them up. All I could hear were bird song, the stream running over the stones in the other field and the snip snip of the secateurs. Occasionally there would be a car driving by but generally it is incredibly peaceful here. 

I still can't get used to the view...clearly I should move to be near water!

This is the view from my window.....Lucky me! I can't wait to go for a walk!

Today was a simple day, cutting the willow, breaking for lunch around 2pm, then I went out and did a bit more cutting while Jane nipped into Dalmellington, (even though the drive there is about 15 mins!)

We also looked after some plants in the polytunnel. It got to -1.5 degrees last night, but the sun was so hot today! I was shedding clothing as I worked because I'm used to needing so many layers!

You can find any of the Loch Doon photos in my Picasa web album here.

That's enough from me at the moment, I'm off to order a tapestry kit to keep me busy in the evenings!

Hello Scotland!

Hello All! I'm broadcasting live from Loch Doon!

So, I have already broken my Lent plan of updating every day....oops! But I was very busy trying to fit everything in before I left! 

The journey here went really well, I set off at 11am and arrived around 3:30pm. I dread to think how many miles I've done though, around 200 maybe? However, the views on the way here more than made up for it! First there was the Yorkshire Dales, which were simply stunning. Then past Dumfries, it was just so beautiful! Granted, as soon as I got into Scotland, the bright sunny day turned into a bright cloud filled sky, with more rain, but the lochs I passed made up for it!

Even though I'd looked on a map, I nearly missed the turning to the loch. It's actually part of the Galloway Forest Park and the drive around to the farm was stunning. I know I'm using a lot of hyperbolic language, but it is so totally justified! I'll try and take some photographs tomorrow and upload them because it's breath-taking. 

So I turned up on Geoff and Jane's doorstep and introduced myself. They were very welcoming and I was soon settled in a chair with a cup of tea, (having had to move the cat basket onto the sofa, (sorry Parsley!)). After a brief chat I was shown where I would be sleeping and it's lovely.

I'm up in the attic, which has been converted so I have my own bathroom and the view in my bedroom is of the loch and the hills behind. Bliss. I also even have an electric blanket! And Parsley came to see how I was settling in, giving everything a good sniff!

Jane then showed me around the land they have...it's a house surrounded by three fields, in which they grow some willow, although most is bought from a supplier in Somerset! They also have a polytunnel and a small forest garden. The field behind also has a stream running through it...very idyllic! 

This evening so far I've pottered, mainly reading in the main room, (wood stove) and though I have offered to help, Geoff and Jane have been preparing supper, (and it smells great!) I thought I'd pop upstairs to quickly type this up and pop it for you.

I know a few have tried texting me...I do get reception but only upstairs it seems....So I have arrived and am very happy here! I wish I could share it all with you....I shall try to get some photos tomorrow!

For now though, I shall go and feel smug having uploading this, via my phone's internet connection but using my laptop...OOooOOOoOOoo!