Samhain Greetings to You from Bridie’s Farm

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” – Loren Eiseley 

News From The Land… 

We have well and truly reached ‘Summer’s End’ or Samhain marked by the shorter days, dip in temperature and damper weather. We have always been mindful of working ‘with’ all the elements as we develop Bridie’s Farm. This time of year, water makes itself visible in many beautiful ways: the heavy dew on grass highlighting the hundreds of cobwebs, damp permeating the surfaces, rhynes & watercourses filling up, misty skies kissing the treetops.

On the theme of water, we have been busy constructing more chinampas (manmade ditches) and work has started on our wetland / wildlife area which has already attracted the attention of curious birdlife: heron, pheasants, meadow pipits, goldfinches, pied wagtails, sparrows, crows, robins to name a few.

A new track and base has been laid for imminent barn construction in the East field, setting the foundations for our food forest area, recycling/reuse hub, fermentation centre & business hub.

Seeds have been harvested and the Polytunnel has been planted with winter salads, herbs and we are growing oyster mushrooms too. 

Our fantastic new wormery has been set up for composting and they are settling in well. Gratitude to CAG Somerset for their generous support towards our composting goals.

Other Activities: 

Bridie’s Farm Skill Share Open Weekend on 20th/21st September was open to the public & was a wonderful celebration of local crafts, music, food and connection. Huge thanks go out to all who took part. 

Join Us 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 & fungarium, tending to the tree nursery & hedgerows, 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.  

 

Samhain Thoughts 

Ways to celebrate Samhain: 

 

• Set up an altar to honour your ancestors. 

• Carve a lantern from a pumpkin or turnip. 

• Do a meditative walk in a cemetery. These untouched green spaces are full of nature & perfect for quiet contemplation. 

• Host a bonfire and set intentions towards Yule. 

• Simmer apple juice, cinnamon, cloves, citrus slices, bay leaves, star anise, & ginger for a delicious Samhain drink. 

 

Coming Up Soon 

• Tree planting events (weather dependent) – look out for dates on website, Instagram & Facebook.

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.