Forest Gardening

Had a very interesting afternoon with a couple of lads who have introduced me to Forest Gardening. It's all in the book;

Creating a Forest Garden: Working with nature to grow edible crops

Martin Crawford

Forest gardening is a novel way of growing edible crops - with nature doing most of the work for you. A forest garden is modelled on young natural woodland, with a wide range of crops growing in different vertical layers. Unlike in a conventional garden, there is little need for digging, weeding or pest control. Species are carefully chosen for their beneficial effects on each other, creating a healthy system that maintains its own fertility. Creating a Forest Garden tells you everything you need to know - whether you want to plant a small area in your back garden, or have a larger plot. It includes advice on planning, design (using permaculture principles), planting and maintenance and a detailed directory of over 500 trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, annuals root crops and climbers, almot all of them edible and many very unusual. As well as more familiar plants you can grow your own chokeberries, goji berries, yams heartnuts, bamboo shoots and buffalo currants - while creating a beautiful space that has great environmental benefits. In the light of our changing climate it is important that we find new ways of growing food sustainably, without compromising soil health, food quality or biodiversity. Forest gardening offers an exciting solution to the challenge.

I guess this is one of these "watch this space" moments. I am particularly taken with the idea of planting edible mushrooms on logs and planting lots more rhubarb. I can't believe I could grow Goji berries although I did once have these in pots grown from seed that I extracted myself from the dried berries. Must give this a try though because (a) they are one of the superfoods and (b) Sainsbury's charge a fortune for them.

Having just finished a 6 month work contract, I'll be starting next week in earnest in the woodland. First up though is the removal of a very large slick of concrete that I discovered on the slope of the woodland. Must have been there for years and have no idea where it came from. No wonder I couldn't plant this section. Just hope there not a bunker underneath. Then it's the area at the back of the tennis club house to remove the blaze pile and to re plant that whole area. I am going to include a new path to allow the tennis club to take the annual leaf collection out to an agreed shared area. Anyone got suggestions on the best way to collect and make leaf mould that doesn't involve back breaking collection of the leaves into bags? The tennis club collects a phenomenal amount of leaves every autumn and I guess it would be nice to find a way to compost them.

Ironmills Park Flower Meadow

Great News

This coming Monday 30th April at 6.30pm the meadow area in Ironmills park will be seeded as a wildflower meadow.

Alan Krumholds has invited the Bonnyrigg and Dalkeith Scouts, Dalkeith Rotary Club and hopes to have the Esk Valley Rotarians as well.

Posters are due to go up around the park as I write.

The plan for this work really took off at pace in recent weeks, much more rapidly than had been planned.The reason for this, as I understand it, is recent repair works to the Eskbank Sewer resulted in an opportunity to utilise the tracts created by Scottish Water. These tracts were ideal for progress into wild flower meadows. I'm sure all will become clear on Monday evening.

Hope you can come along. I will certainly be there since this was one of the key objectives for the Friends of Ironmills Park Group.

Contrarian - After then Before.....Updated with Gazebo

Had a few professional pictures taken recently of the house and garden and I thought it would be good for the record to see the before and after. Being a contrarian here's the after - first.

This is the woodland side of the house showing the raised path and the planted areas nearest the decking. It's only March but the weather has been good this year and the plants are peeping through already. OK - the house looks good too! but this blog is for the woodland and the garden. Both still in their infancy for new planting and growth.

We need to protect the edges of the woodland where there's a steep drop down to the river below. Used lots of pole trees cut from another Estate woodland to create the barriers.

My blue border. I just love blue flowers of any kind and grape hycanith bulbs are always easy to grow. Softening all the edges and at the same time holding back soil from falling down from the slope above was easily achieved by placing lengths of logs on the ground. Very simple. Once the planting gets through the gaps it will look even more natural.

I found this dead tree branch in the far away part of the wood last year and used it in the central planted area to add interest. The grasses behind would normally be cut back to remove dead growth at this time of the year. The growth doesn't look dead to me so I'm leaving it alone.

These 2 "before" photos are from April 27 2010. It was hard work clearing the ground here after the house build but after much digging, lots of weeding and now mulching, I seem to have decent plant borders for the woodland plants.

The real beauty of new planting is only evident after 3 years in  my experience so next year should be even better.

Just for the record, last year I tried and failed with a wild flower border. Weeds took over. The professionals kill the weeds first or they over turn the soil to a significant depth which prevents the weed getting through before they sow the seed. This year, not wanting to do too much weed killing and not able to do the depth turning trick, I decided to use waste plastic crates from the house foundations. Filled them with compost and sowed the seed into these. If it works I should have wild flower plugs that I can transplant at my leisure. Will it work?

Finally just to add a picture from the past. The Gazebo. This photo taken from the tower. Interesting isn't it!

Have a look at the proximity of the Gazebo to the tree on the RHS. That's the same tree that the new Eco house is next to. Which proves that the Eco House and the Gazebo projected to the West by the same distance. Something we have always known but others have wanted to question. Considering individuals at Midlothian Council carried out a survey in year 2000 when the Gazebo was already built, it's quite surprising that the Council don't have their own survey report. That survey has been requested many times. It doesn't exist. There's just an "NT" reference map that anyone can get. No Gazebo shows up on the map because its just that - a map - not a survey. Yet we paid for it........... shy of £1,000 no less in year 2000. Interesting isn't it. I have a theory that the local noise created at the time of the land sale probably contributed to the lack of attention to detail by Midlothian Council at the time. The local noise was all to do with rights of way - where none existed - and that "extra" work to check for rights of way contributed to the cost. But all at the expense of the survey. Shame is too small a word for it.

Treehouses and Stagebank

Arrived in the post this morning. G what are you up to my lad......

Treehouses aside, yesterday I had such a great day in the woodland. I moved the last remaining felled trees of years gone by from the slope under the power line and used them to strengthen my fall barrier at the bottom of the slope. They make great wildlife piles and I apologies to the mouse that has had to move home. I'm sure it will find its slightly remodelled abode just a little farther down the hill. It was a chainsaw day as well and I find myself more and more adept at using it. The wood piles have been "let down" by sawing into them and trampling them. It makes the barrier look more attractive since it is on view to the passing public. There's more to do......there always is. I went to bed exhausted. I will probably plant just uphill of the wood piles next and my sleepy thoughts were about what to plant and where. Holly - takes for ever but its evergreen. Beech - always good. Golden Yew??? maybe. Expect the ground will dictate and grow what it wants.

Speaking of passing public, a very lovely couple came to chat and found me at the wood piles. They had found the tower after speaking to someone from a group I had taken into the garden last week who were walking the old rail lines. Turns out this couple looked up this blog and realised that my grandmother lived at Stagebank near Heriot. Well they lived in the 2 storey houses behind my grans cottage. How amazing. We shared stories. Particularly about Dod - my uncle George who never married and lived with his mum (my gran) until she died. Dod was a shepherd (sadly he has also passed away) and his dogs were his pride and joy - probably his "children". The story about taking one of his dogs to the vet in Edinburgh was relayed and I remember Uncle George being very upset one day when one of his older dogs never returned home. Apparently they go off into the hills to die when they know their time has come but George wanted to try to find the dog to do a decent burial. He never did. George kept his dogs outside in kennels. Their "intelligence" was measured he said by the width of their head (sounds like a tall story to me) and of course they rounded the sheep and responded to his every word and gesticulation. I don't think he used a whistle? not sure though. Uncle George had a "Garrard" record player and liked The Clancy Brothers and Jim Reeves. OK it's wrist slashing music but hey ho - I was too young to be bothered by the sentiment of it. I still like the Clancy Brothers. Was it Tommy Makem and the CB? He was in India during the war and a good looking soldier in his day. Youngest of my mums siblings he was such good fun. Used to sing "Muckin O Geordies Byre" to me as a hint that the hen house was coming up for a clean out. I didn't mind getting the eggs but muckin out the hen house was not a pleasure. My gran used to feed them from the fence and Uncle George hung dead animals on the fence to ward off the fox. How did that work? 

So my day sawing and moving wood took a little respite but what a joy to chat to this couple. Especially since G and I went to Stagebank only last week to walk the rail line just in case the borders trains start running again before we get the chance. There's a story about a set of gates at the railway crossing, but I'll keep that for another day.

Back to the woodland today - what great Spring weather for outdoor working.

Start Of The Local Election Leaflets

This one struck a chord for me - taken from a very professional looking circulation put together by a new candidate for Midlothian - Peter De Vink
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What do you see as the main failures of Midlothian council over the past decade?
When you enter Midlothian you immediately notice the difference compared to other council areas. West and East Lothian have better school results, planning is less influenced by councillors’ hunches. Communities interests there are not ignored as in Midlothian. Midlothian is a local authority that clearly has lost its way. The worst thing the council has done, and Councillor Peter Boyes was very much behind this, is without doubt the rash closure of the rural schools. The council railroaded that through in 2005 despite fierce opposition from parents and constituents and even though the schools were highly successful

Walk to Springfield Mill

Walk No 11 in the series of Midlothian walks was published yesterday, March 7th. This was a very enjoyable walk apart from some very muddy areas along the way. However, the mud here is nothing compared to the sticky clay mud on an area of land slip in Roslin Glen. The volunteers paths group have been digging out a section and creating a barrier to hold back the slippage. Its back breaking work and the structure to hold back the slippage is a feat of engineering. It looks fantastic with wood planks on end at different heights sledge hammered into place. Its not finished yet. Photo to follow.

Back to the walk article. This walk took us to Springfield Mill which I have been raving about since I first saw it. If ever there was an example of how to make good an old industrial site then this is it. I was so impressed I created a mini version of the planting on a small patch of ground near my sitting out area last year. OK its a bit twee and I will change it eventually, but it was a bit of fun. I used old bricks covered in moss, feverfew, foxgloves, self seeded small birch trees, ivy from the adjacent bank, some old post and wire fencing and some yew saplings. I scattered some seeds that will hopefully come through this summer to make a wild flower area. Wonder if it will work?

If you are looking to take a walk in Midlothian any time soon, please look up Springfield Mill. It can be hard to find. Go via Polton and enjoy the drive from the top of the hill.

 

Here is the copy of the article in basic format. I noticed that the link can't be enlarged to make it OK to read.

(For March 2012)

Walk this way...............Lasswade to Springfield Mill

·         The area is covered by Ordnance Survey Map 66 for Edinburgh and Midlothian.

·         Distance 4 miles.

·         Time 2½ hours

·         Footwear – Boots/Wellies are essential unless it has been very dry.

·         The tracks are mainly beaten earth or grassland, sometimes boggy.

·         Starting Point:- School Green, Lasswade

·         Map grid reference:- NT 303 661

·         Bus:- Lothian Buses 31,  Firstbus 141, 142

·         Public car park just off Elm Row beside the North Esk

The Walk

This month we are taking you from Lasswade through the North Esk Valley via Mavisbank House, to Springfield Mill. It is a lovely walk with lots of historical features along the way. It’s muddy. More muddy than you might expect and so take care. Kids will love it.

Professor Sugden, a local expert in geomorphology (the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them), advised that in 1988 it was a lot less muddy. So what has happened? Is it global change? The professor is critically aware that the drainage system has not been maintained and that this has contributed to the changes evident underfoot. The grounds have been owned by Historic Scotland for some time now and they are stated to be on a basic care and maintenance terms. That may be not enough if we are all going to be able to continue to walk into this beautiful valley. The route description points out the particularly difficult areas where it can be muddy and wet.

Route Description

This walk explores old paths from Lasswade, through the grounds of Mavisbank House and onto the reclaimed land from the once derelict Springfield Mill at Polton, returning by the North Esk river bank.  At present there are some very wet and muddy bits in the grounds of Mavisbank House, especially at the field kissing gates.  The walk along the river is worth repeating in May or early June when the flowers are out.

Start on the North Esk river bank at School Green in Lasswade.  Walk along School green and up School Brae.  Just before Lasswade Cemetery, turn left along an old path, probably a former “coffin road”.  After three hundred yards turn left at a small crossroads, keeping to the earth track.  At Kevock Road, turn right for 50 yards and on the bend in the road between two white houses, turn left onto a small grass strip with a gate & style.  Cross the style into the grounds of Mavisbank House.

 The house facade can now be glimpsed in the distance through the trees.  From here there are two paths.  The one with the better view follows the fence on the right.  However there are a few yards where the path becomes an earth slope and could be slippy if wet.  The alternative path heads gently downhill and is the remains of the original entrance drive.  This is a little overgrown and is currently very wet.  Unfortunately, the ground is also very wet around the field kissing gates.  Hopefully the soon to be formed Mavisbank Trust will be able to improve this.  The faint path across the meadow leads to the derelict remains of the house.  Once you have had time to wonder at the former glory of the house, turn left down the old drive in front of the house.

At the bottom of the drive, you will encounter a modern metal gate with a sign “The Gardens, PRIVATE”.   Ignore this sign as you are not entering anybody’s garden, provided you stay on the tarmac drive.  The gate has a slide bolt on the other side of it.  Close it behind you.  Once back on the public road, turn left over the road bridge and immediately turn right into the restored grounds of Springfield Mill.   Explore at your leisure.  There are paths which follow the river, ending with a flight of steps to the top of the site.

To return to Lasswade, re-cross the river by the road bridge and immediately turn right along the tar road until the entrance to the cottages.  Follow the green sign directing you along the riverbank to Lasswade.  Follow this until you are back up at Kevock Road.  Cross the road and turn right along the track you came on (tarmac for a few yards then earth).  Remember to turn right at the small crossroads half way round.

Flora and Fauna Along The Way

The River North Esk was once highly polluted due to its industrial past. The paper mills often pumped the by-products from paper making directly into the river. The mill owners were often fined for such practices. This of course had an impact on the wildlife of the area and the food chain of the river corridor ultimately collapsed with many animal species disappearing altogether.

Today however, the industry has gone and the wildlife has returned. Of note is one key species, termed an “indicator species”, which tells us the river is healthy and able to support an abundance of wildlife - the otter.   Otters have returned along the river course with many sightings by fisherman. The Otter is a carnivore feeding mainly on coarse fish, but will also eat frogs, small mammals and waterside birds. They are shy and not often seen in the wild and only by being a skilled mammal detective can the presence of Otters along the river be assured. What do you look out for?

Otters mark their territories by droppings know as “spraints” which you can find on large rocks and trees. Scattered food remains such as fish bones marks a place where an Otter has eaten a large fish. An Otter family loves to play and will use steep muddy river banks as slides. Otters live in holts (dens) and are usually under riverside tree roots.

Don’t mistake the Mink for an Otter. It can be easily done and people often do. But here is the key to determining whether it was an otter or a mink. Get down and sniff! The otter spraints are described as sweet or spicy, sometimes odourless. On the other hand the Minks droppings or scats, have a strong musky smell. Otters are larger and almost twice the size of a Mink. The Mink also has distinctive chocolate-brown fur. If you are lucky enough to see and Otter in the water, it has a broader head than a Mink and is smoother swimmer.

Remember, to be a successful mammal detective you need to get close and personal with your subject, so clear that nose and get smelling!

What to Wear

Walking boots or wellies until the ground dries out.  Perhaps wear your oldest trousers that can be dried and brushed down afterwards.

The Treat

We are bereft of cafes along the valley or at Springfield Mill. Maybe that’s a good thing though. Even if Mavisbank is restored to its former glory a bustling café within the grounds just wouldn’t seem right in the midst of all this calm. Take a packed lunch and enjoy the peace.

Features Along The Way Not To Miss

Mavisbank House. It shot to fame in 2003 when it was featured as a restoration bid project on BBC2. It didn’t win. In recent weeks, Midlothian Council has declared the use of statutory compulsory purchase to seek a means to preserve its future.

The house was designed and built in 1723-36 for Sir John Clerk. It is sad to see a building of such international importance go into decline, and at this late stage the extent of the decline is significant. What is best for this house and the surrounding grounds is open to debate but what little is left of the wonderful stone work is worthy of preservation in any format.

Attempts to save the house began in the 80s when the grounds were designated as a Conservation Area. The house and a pre historic fort behind the house were listed under the Ancient Monuments Act. Demolition of the house as a dangerous structure was averted by local campaigners when they obtained a court order to prevent the demolition.

It is clear that such an important structure will rouse passionate debate and opinion. For our walking group it was the surrounding landscape that was just as important. Whatever happens to the house a “light touch” approach does seem sensible taking in the need to maintain the drainage and hence look after the landscape as well as the house.

Springfield Mill at Polton is a glowing example of the works carried out by the Midlothian Council Ranger Service and the Springfield Mill Action Group, to enhance and manage a past industrial site as a wildlife haven. From the choice of landscape-sympathetic seating to the neat 2 track board walk over the boggy area and the planting of wildflower meadows on the open verges, this area signifies all that it possible with team effort in a local community. You may detect our own bias here, but whilst the past and our heritage are important, it is what we do now as a team that shapes the legacy of what we will leave to future generations. Even if you don’t take this walk, take a visit to Springfield Mill. Ask about its past to fully appreciate what you see now.

A Blue Badge Scheme for Midlothian Tourism?

After day 2 of path work in Roslin Glen I am taking a well earned rest at my lap top this morning. I was looking at the Midlothian Advertiser on line and noticed this article about confidence boosting activities at Roslin Primary School. This is such a good idea. I decided to post a short comment to the article to register my interest and desire for the future of tourism in Midlothian. I think my year away in the States focussed my mind on the tourism potential here in Midlothian. We have so much to offer the tourist but we don't see it. What we need though (and I hate business jargon) is some joined up thinking for the bigger picture. If we could harness the energy, enthusiasm and potential in our younger generation to become accredited tourist guides (there's a blue badge scheme I think in England) at the same time as documenting all our tourist information in a more tourist friendly manner then I think that Midlothian could become a centre for excellence for tourism. It's not just our built heritage - I am thinking about our walks throughout the county or even through our parks and villages. Since co-writing 11 walk articles for the Advertiser I have become so aware of our local history and the wealth of information in the heads of a few folks. Even if not all factually based there are some great stories out there.
Maybe I should write to Mr Salmond? or Midlothian Council?


Chapel guides

ROSLIN: Rosslyn Chapel. Some of the new group of Roslin Primary pupils hold their first junior tour guide session. LtoR Jack Hamilton, Katie McLeish, Rory Stewart, Connor Maclean & Josh Hutchison

Published on Monday 5 March 2012 12:00

A confidence boosting project is continuing between a local primary school and a world-famous Midlothian landmark.

As part of the Curriculum for Excellence, P7 pupils at Roslin Primary are working in partnership with Rosslyn Chapel to run guided tours for primary schools in the area.

The children learn by doing real jobs – giving a performance, giving short talks to adult and child visitors, learning about the booking system, as well as marketing and press. In addition, they are gaining knowledge about local history.

Chapel education manager Fiona Rogan said: “Our latest group of guides were very shy at first. One girl, in particular, always had her head down and shoulders hunched. She looked terrified. Yesterday I saw her striding on to the presentation area with her head held high, speaking in a clear voice to an audience of over 50 adults and children. The confidence she has gained will benefit her in all areas of her school work.”

 

Comments

There are 1 comments to this article

1

susangoldwyre

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 09:30 AM

What an excellent idea. Why don't more schools engage in this type of project. I would love to see Midlothian develop its tourism potential through a well designed and executed plan where the next generation could become champions of tourism. England has a "blue badge" scheme I think for tourist guides. Could we set our own guiding standard in Scotland? Could Midlothian be the centre for excellence? Let's try.