Updates as and when time is available

January / Febuary 2009

	January - Over the past month we have had the Fosse fitted and all the drainage installed, so most of the ground work completed. We have also been able to use the digger to move and clear other areas near the house for better access and in preparation of the vegetable plot near the barn and dry stone walling at the top of the drive. A lot of ground work in very wet and cold conditions.
	Above the concrete tank 4000 L. Below the filter bed about 1M deep with layers of sand of different size and a network of piping some with slits to allow the flow to filter through, the outlet water is then clean.
	Trenches are dug to quite a depth and the pipe lined with sand top and bottom, all at calculated fall so a good uninterrupted flow is achieved. When back filled all that work vanishes.
	Just before everything is buried the water authority inspect and check, that's everything each level each fall and layers of sand. Now we have our own treatment works, just add the collection and use of rain water recycling and no rates.
	So back to the trees, we have found 6 fallen oaks in amongst the brambles (20ft high) probably in the 1980 storms, fantastic fire wood and log seats from the larger pieces.
	February - Well this month it is back to Ivy removal, with quotes coming in from masons for some of the larger work and roofers we have to clean the buildings. This will take most of the month.
	Wet it is, but with quite a few cold sunny days, the valley below and river is flodded.
	Above cleared area with the completed filter bed to the orchard which Gerry has just plated two plum trees in the centre of the picture at the back next to the old apple orchard, mind you they are a bit lost in the rest of the trees. Two more new windows found, it really is surprising what ivy can cover.
	Thanks to the fosse / digger men Michael and Anthony , I think they have had enough of me and can you just!

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