“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” Unknown
News From The Land…
A change in weather makes it seem as if the parched, intense heat was a lifetime ago. Since the beginning of August we have progressed with more construction on site, held another Roundhouse Camp which has added to the already impressive structure made from locally sourced timber. Our incredible volunteers’ commitment to the construction and set-up of our new Polytunnel has paid off with the space being fully equipped ready for the next growing season.
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- New Polytunnel
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- Using biochar
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- Roundhouse in progress
Other Activities:
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- Nature mandala
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- Peacock Butterfly
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- Grown produce
Amongst the frenetic activity of sawing, drilling and chiselling wood we paused for a moment to connect to nature through land-based art. The Create & Connect Nature workshop led by Polly Hall was held in the yurt. Participants wrote poetry (some for the first time!), drew, wonder-wandered to collect natural materials which was made into a giant mandala, meditated and enjoyed the abundance of our first crop of delicious veg grown at the farm.
The miraculous worms have reappeared after the phenomenal precipitation we have been witnessing onto the cracked, dry earth. Our mature oaks are loaded full of acorns and the juicy fruits of the season line the hedgerows.
Contracted work on our west tree-lined edge will allow us to utilise the cut willows which we intend to repurpose into traditional trackways on what will be the wildlife and wetland field. Our cedar logs have been milled and planked ready for use in the next stages of the Roundhouse build.
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- Brooding clouds
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- Blooming Squash
At the time of writing we have just held our Bridie’s Farm Skill Share Open Weekend on 20th/21st September. This event was open to the public and invited all to come and enjoy the natural environment, learn something new and connect with others. We will post more pictures of this soon…
Volunteers Needed for Tree Planting
We are grateful to all volunteers & groups who have offered their time over the past season. We couldn’t have achieved all we have without their dedication and support. Some of the activities have included woodwork, roundhouse building, creating new woodchip pathways, designing growing beds such as our kitchen garden, tending to the tree nursery, building our 40ft polytunnel, constructing the new workshop and providing valuable help in the ‘many hands make light work’ mantra.
We are winding down our weekly Volunteer sessions from end of October but will be offering Tree Planting Events over the winter season. If you’d like to join in over the coming months, please check our socials & website.
Autumn Equinox Thoughts
Ways to celebrate Autumn Equinox:
- Go on a nature walk – wrap up and enjoy the changing colours of leaves.
- Apples! Make delicious fare from abundant apple harvest.
- Collect fruits from the hedgerows: blackberries, sloes, rosehips, elderberries all make delicious jams, jellies, tinctures and drinks.
- Nurture yourself with rest and relaxation as the seasons shift down a gear.
Coming Up Soon
- Volunteer Days continue weekly on Tuesdays throughout the coming season. Register to become a Bridie’s Farm volunteer.
- Tree planting events (weather dependent) – dates tbc.
We welcome your thoughts, input and positive energy as we continue to build this ground-enhancing project for and with the community. Contact us here.
