Getting ready for Winter

A wet October with Storms A-C gave us some things to think about.

As the Orchard site is a low point below Carr Rd the run off  needed some consideration.  Thankfully links had already been made with the Rural Skills Course being run at Grantown Grammar School and plans were able to become a reality. In addition to the physical effort of the pupils, the expertise of the Lecturers from UHI came into play.

Reuse Recycle

Bark!

The uncomposted bark used for paths between the raised beds has been a blessing with 3x 1 ton bags being delivered and moved into place.. Carpets were redeployed in the planting areas and small creatures had a chance to migrate elsewhere on the site.

A picnic bench was donated to be refurbished in the spring and sits nicely amongst the now 8 raised beds.

Soil was donated from the housing development on another site in the village and the riddle proved useful in clearing stones from this to give us a good planting medium.

 The Wildflower meadow was cut back and raked. The cuttings deposited into a compost area to be intermixed gradually with some soil, manure, fallen leaves and cardboard. and so the lasagne began.

Care has been taken to use materials not contaminated by pesticides and herbicides so as not to compromise insect life.

Plants and Planting

Chamomile, hazelnut and willow has been heeled in for winter to go to their forever home in the spring

Trees and soft Fruits have been mulched with composted bark to reduce weed growth and protect for the winter.

Yellow Rattle was sown after the meadow was cut and we hope to see this come into flower over the next year once it has been 'encouraged' by the winter cold.

Legals and Financials

The Asset Transfer continues to be a work in progress and as the Licence to occupy comes to an end we are seeking renewal and also starting the planning application for our next phase of developments . We value the continued support from Carrbridge Ahead in pursuing this and arranging legal representation for when the time comes. The application to the Community Regeneration fund  was well received and we have progressed to round 2. .

Other funding sources are being investigated to give us options for Phase 2.