Breaking Ground - March 2014 |
As we come to the
end of our first year I thought it would be a good time to review what we have
achieved at this year and what we are planning for next year.
It is just over a
year now since we held our first public meeting at The Grove in Burscough and
it seems so long ago. At that point in time we had no idea if anyone in
Burscough and the surrounding area would be interested in the project that we
were proposing. We were pleasantly surprised that so many turned up and then
so many stepped forward to become members of the steering committee.
Community Growing |
This first growing
season has been a real steep learning curve for most elements of the project
from growing veg on a large scale right through to organising volunteer days.
As the season progressed we quickly fell into a rhythm of planting and weeding
and stuff just grew and grew. We had some failures, but on balance we had more
successes. Rabbits and weeds took their biggest toll but we soon developed ways
to cope with these and as our skills improve we should have even more success.
As the summer came
along some members became regular volunteers and friendships started to form.
When harvesting began we tried to make sure that all members, whether they
could make it down to the field or not, got at least a taste of our fantastic
produce. It gave us a great sense of satisfaction to see people going home with
arms full of beautiful vegetables and then, later that night, get pictures of
what they had cooked with them emailed back to us.
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Members Facebook Page |
We
couldn't have wished for a better growing season weather wise. Each time the
crops looked like they were suffering from the dry weather a helpful day or two
of rain would bring some relief and keep things going.
Not getting
permission for us to put up our small barn and poly tunnel was a disappointment
and severely restricted what we could grow this year. We now need to apply for
planning permission for these.
Bees on the Field
A local bee keeper
asked if he could put a hive on the field and so we duly had our own colony of
pollinator's helping out from June. Honey from the field has proved very
popular with our members. It's anti-allergy properties will be useful for
anyone who is working on the field and in the local area.
The Forest Garden
and Shelter Belts
One of the first
things we did last winter was to plant the hedge alongside Meadow Lane. 100
metres of native mixed hedging went in and is growing strongly with only a few
losses.
The self seeded
Alder trees on site are thriving on the wet side of the field, with 12 inch
saplings that we re-planted in March now up to 5 and a half feet tall. Standing
amongst them in September whilst they were still in full leaf gave the feeling
of standing in woodland and these trees are just in their second summer, it is
really inspiring. We cannot take much credit for this, nature did it herself.
However, what is reassuring is that the saplings we did move are growing as
strongly as the ones left where the seeds fell.
The Forest Garden
has started to take shape and we didn't expect to get any fruit in this first
year, but it was nice to wander down there on a hot afternoon and graze on a
few Strawberries, Blackcurrants or even the odd Mulberry. Next year should hold
more promise and we will be planting many more fruit trees, nut trees and soft
fruits this winter.
Funding and Support
I am pleased to say
that we had great support from many this season with funding support by many
including the following:
Villages In
Partnership
Burscough Parish
Council
West Lancashire
Borough Council Community Chest
Lancashire County
Council (via County Councillor Cynthia Dereli local members grant)
Green Partnership
Awards
Some of our members
have also been very generous with money and time and we wouldn't have reached
where we are without them. I thank you all so very much.
If you are interested in joining Organic Veg Club please take a look at our membership page here.
If you are interested in joining Organic Veg Club please take a look at our membership page here.
Neil Hickson
Founder/Co-ordinator