Polytunnel - Solo Day.

It's been a wonderful time for all in the team at Lime tree farm.

For all of us who have had a dream to erect our poly tunnel, that dream has now come to fruition. Through the commitment of like minded individuals, we have come together to make this a reality where we can go to the next stage of our grow,cook and eat programme.

It's inspiring both physically, mentally and emotionally to work towards a common goal and achieve this. It's rewarding to be part of a group of selfless people who have a vision of growth and to be involved.We were watched all day by a Red Kite that soared above us that added to the joy of this project.

The end of the day not only resulted in the poly tunnel being erected but a feeling of selfless satisfaction. Come and be part of this team and make a difference at one of our SOLO DAYS.

Solo Days, Lazy summer days, not!

Today we looked at not being judgmental, how do we do that? I guess letting go of fear and finding a spiritual solution. Just for today.

We began with a morning meditation to try to slow our minds and just to be in the here and now.

Perhaps this should be an Olympic sport?

We tended the Garden, Preparing to be able to place the sheet on the polytunnel. We dug a trench to be able to submerge the sides in the Earth.

Norman began by pruning a Sycamore tree to enable morning sunlight to reach the shed. We place the fine, recently cut branches in the hedgerow to encourage birds to nest and insects to thrive.

Norman who is aged 78 is truly an inspiration to all.

We fed the birds in the bird hide and saw a pair of mating Wagtails in summer courtship and we left food to encourage the Badgers into the Badger set beneath the bird hide that can be watched at the Farm.

We replaced one bird feeder outside the bird hide to mend the existing one as grey squirrels had been visiting the feeder and are very destructive in their quest to find food as they also live in the woodland trees around the bird hide.

We watered the newly planted oak tree in the stone circle, it looks to have taken root and is in a fine position adjacent to the pond and will be quite a site as it grows.

We then came across our toughest challenge, a large swarm of bees. Norman our raw food expert, instructed us to let the swarm settle, which was such a sight to see. The swarm settled in a tree and Norman precariously stood on the top of a step ladder and knocked the bees into a basket and covered them up.

Next, we had to make up a beehive and where best but in the Garden facing where the morning sun comes through as the Bees appreciate the warm summer sun.

Honey Bees collect pollen and nectar as food for the entire colony, and as they do this, they pollinate plants. Nectar stored within their stomachs is passed from one worker to the next until the water within it diminishes. At this point, the nectar becomes honey, which workers store in the cells of the honeycomb.

We had to prepare the space, level the ground as Bees produce vertical homey comb in the wax slides in the hive.

Then we made a ramp to the hive for the bees to walk inside. Norman then collected the Bees in the basket and brought them over the fields to the garden.

This was compelling and rather scary as I was to document the outcome. Stood in shorts and a tea shirt, I was apprehensive but the Bees have a new home in the Lime tree garden thanks to Norman and what does every garden need bees.

The Queen has her home.

As they say, there is no place like home. Another fantastic and eventful Solo Day that supports mindfulness, meditation through conservation at Lime tree farm.

Book early.

WITH MANY THANKS TO NORMANand KEIRAN.

Conservation Project.

Today's conservation task started off bright and peaceful listening to the dawn chorus.The start of another day of feeling grateful. 
Our positive attitude continued even though the heavens opened just as we had set today's conservation task.
We had to move a shed to the garden where we can develop our grow,cook,eat programme.
How do we become centered with an enormous task? 

First we discussed the task and all it entailed,
To move the shed out from under the barn.
Discussions were held to keep the team focused. All opinions were heard and respected. A plan was formulated and the team communicated this plan. 

Our team work had its rewards and what a task but so fulfilling as the shed finally has a place at last.
A place to sit,reflect and be grateful, in a beautiful garden.

Special thanks to Norman and Keiran.