Spring Equinox Greetings to You from Bridie’s Farm
“You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” Pablo Neruda
News From The Land…
Since the beginning of February, we have planted over 1,000 trees! The majority have been planted with the help of Reimagining The Levels and fantastic volunteers who attended our Tree Planting Events in February. Some of the native tree species include: Alder, Black Poplar, Beech, Silver Birch, Guelder Rose, Oak, Willow and many more…
As part of our research and demonstration area, we have nearly completed our Miyawaki Forest using established tree-planting methods successfully trialled in other parts of the UK. In summary, nearly 600 trees are planted in a condensed area on the north-west side of the site.
As willow trees are so familiar across the Somerset Levels, we have planted many different varieties which have a distinctive hue and will make a beautiful statement along our borders and hedgerows. From Pheasant Brown to Brittany Green; Deep Purple to Hybrid Red, we look forward to seeing the willows become established.
Other Activities:
Seed Swap Sunday in Glastonbury was an opportunity to connect with local community and share seeds! Bridie’s Farm & Red Brick Community Garden gave out lots of seeds to new homes (and gardens!)
Bon and Polly took a field trip organised by Community Action Groups (CAG) with Loop Frome in February. Creating our own organic compost is on the agenda so we are researching different systems and methods. We visited Frome Medical Practice, Broadway Community Gardens and Victoria Park where compost stations are located using different systems such as RidanTM and Joraform tumbling hotbin composters.
Bon and Marie-Claire have been on the local radio with Nigel Cox chatting about the project, what has taken place already and what is coming up – Listen on GWS Radio – https://player.autopod.xyz/827876.
Spring Equinox Thoughts
A time for balance as equal day and night reminds us of equilibrium and a chance to honour nature’s rhythms. We are enjoying a calmer, fresh spring here in the South West of England which has been ideal for working outside with the elements & enjoying the beautiful countryside.
Ways to celebrate Spring Equinox:
- Have a Spring cleansing ritual – ‘out with the old and in with the new’. Declutter your living space. Donate unneeded items to charity or pass on to a friend.
- Plant seeds or a tree, and while planting sow good intentions to connect with the cycle of life.
- Immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Take a walk and collect a natural item like a feather, stone or leaf to bring into your home.
- Give back to mother nature. Feed the birds, sow some wildflower seeds, create a piece of art to honour the lighter, warmer days.
Coming Up Soon
Volunteer Days began on 11th March and will continue weekly on Tuesdays throughout the coming season. Register to become a volunteer.
- We will be attending a roundhouse building course and will be engaging with volunteers to help us complete our own roundhouse at Bridie’s Farm.
- Students from the King’s Trust at Strode College will be taking part in activities on the land as part of their course.
- Forest School starting soon… get in touch if you’d like booking details and costs.
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.
Bridie’s Farm CIC is the company responsible for the delivery of the Glastonbury Food & Regenerative Farming Centre project in partnership with the Red Brick Building Centre Ltd.
