Late November snow … picking out the spiral left by mowing in the woodland clearing. Only lasted a couple of hours, quickly melting away. A brief taster of what winter may bring …
Waiting for the rain…
No rain for weeks - drought. Most of the trees are well enough established to cope, however many are showing signs of stress - dropping their leaves early. This Rowan has decided to be in bloom and in berry at the same time.
Looking forward to the rains coming …
Jam time soon…
Each year I think to myself ‘must make jam’. Seldom do I actually find the time …
However, this year I’ve perfected the recipe for my favourite cakes - coconut slice with a jam filling. The motivation of being able to include homegrown homemade blackberry jam in my coconut slice may well tip the balance this year ;-)
Tansy
Very happy to see some tansy in the wood this year…
Taking inspiration
When we created Pomfret’s Wood, we hoped that one day it would provide inspiration for artists and makers visiting The Lund.
Now, several years later, it’s rather a thrill to see groups spreading out through the slowly maturing trees and meadow, looking, listening, drawing, thinking.
Powered by wood…
Not ‘strictly’ woodland related… but very much part of our life here at The Lund - wood pellets.
When we first converted the farm buildings in 2008 we installed a large boiler that would run off wood chip, logs, pellets - basically anything you could throw into it. Great - apart from the fact I had to fill the hopper at least once a day!
When we converted outbuildings into office space to let, we had a commitment to keeping the heating on for tenants. Essentially we couldn’t leave if the boiler was running. Eventually we saved enough money to install a fully automated wood-pellet boiler to heat our home, the studio and Skylark. Twice a year we top up the 4T hopper… always feels better when the hoppers full :-)
That time of year again
Snowdrops!
Return of chainsaw-Steve
We often leave fallen wood as natural habitat - but this apple tree had fallen across a gateway in the strong autumn winds a couple of months ago.
Dusted off the chainsaw and cut up for firewood. Lovely to spend a few hours out int the cold winter sun :-)
Four Years On...
Walking around Pomfret’s Wood this morning and realised I was feeling overwhelmingly proud of what we’ve achieved! From a hesitant beginning in a freezing muddy field four years ago, we now feel more confident in framing the place as the long-term ecological slow-art project that we first envisaged.
When we planted the woodland our aim was to create a rich and diverse habitat directly associated with our creative practice – right on our doorstep. 1400 saplings, 26 native tree varieties in 4.5 acres.
Four years on and the woodland is thriving and inspiring! The creative community of artists and makers who visit the Lund have been developing their own personal responses to this evolving diverse environment. Natural dying, charcoal burning, creating and weaving natural fibres and textiles - all in addition to inspiration for mark making and painting.
This is not ‘re-wilding’. We’re actively managing the development of the place, though it is with a light-touch! As a long-term ecological and social art project, we are tending the ecosystem for enduring personal and collaborative wellbeing.
The guided development of the place IS the creative practice, as well as the creativity and social engagement it inspires. The kestrels, the buzzards, the red kite, the barn owls in our barn – all seeking prey in the woodland. The wildflower we under-sowed in the woodland increasingly attracting pollinators including the burgeoning of butterflies, moths and bees.
A big ‘thanks you’ goes out to an amazing project a stones-throw down the road from us - @forestofflowersuk – I doubt we would have gone ahead without Alwyn’s guidance and assistance! Thanks also to The Woodland Trust @woodlandtrust for supplying the saplings and guards.
Hardy Holly…
When we planted out Pomfret’s Wood we were told that we’d lose much of the holly, that it simply doesn’t take very well. And that has indeed turned out to be true…
Of the 25 potted saplings we scattered around the wood, roughly half didn’t take. However, the remains trees have thrived - and it’s a joy to see them standing proud on a frosty morning like this : -6 C as the sun rises over the hedge…
Autumn 2024
After walking down to the school-bus pick-up we have a regular morning walk back through the woodland. Rather magical at this time of year …
Spindle….
Some knock-out colours in Pomfret’s Wood at the moment!
‘European spindle wood is very hard, and can be cut to a sharp point; it was used in the past for making spindles for wool-spinning and for butchers’ skewers.
Charcoal produced from this plant is seen as superior among artists due to its strength and density.’ [from Wikipedia]
Had no idea when we planted this that it’s a source of superior charcoal! Can’t wait to give it a go!
Paths
When we planned Pomfret’s Wood the aim was to create a place to walk through every day. We planned out paths and spaces winding through the space. Pleased we did! A joy every day to walk the same paths - always something new…
Teasle-tastic
Each year we’re finding different plants have their moment - this year it’s teasles! Looking like something from an alien world…
All the greens
After a wet winter and spring, we’ve had yet another week of heavy rain - everything is lush …
Set free!
Planted in 2004, this gaggle of birch have finally been set free!
As usual, what I thought might be done by morning coffee took a little longer… some stubborn posts dug out by hand.
After the storms…
A fair few storms swept across the UK in the past weeks … Dusted off the chainsaw and set to work.
A couple of years drying out and these lovely oak logs will be on the fire …
Reach for the sky!
The trees have had a stunning growth spurt this year! These photos are taken a year apart - bursting out of the tubes the new growth is reaching for the sky :-)
It does mean, however, that the trees are a little top heavy and a tad vulnerable to strong winds. Recent Storm Babet has toppled a few … team Pomfret were out this weekend with stakes and mallet making good.
Tree rescue
Autumn winds are upon us… The trees in Pomfrets Wood have ‘exploded’ this year, many shooting up over 10ft tall. However, as we draw into autumn the winds are picking up and the trees are still in leaf. They’re catching the full force of the strong gusts and many aren’t able to take the strain - Boeing and buckling under the pressure.
So - it’s time for tree rescue! Fresh stakes and a lump hammer sort out most of the fallen….
Making Hay...
As we haven’t been using pesticides or fertilisers the quality of our hay is generally pretty poor. Even so, it can still be used and it’s important for us to have it cut and taken away. There’s been a long enough break in the weather for our neighbour to get into the fields - great to see it all baled up and ready to go. Iggy’s making great use - surveying his kingdom :-)
