A very rapid survey and analysis
The field is about 9.5 acres, and as I began my diploma studies, our tenancy was under threat.
Now, 6 months later, we are still no nearer to an outcome - we have heard that there is a possibility that we will lose it to a school car park.
After all the waiting, we finally snapped and decided to do SOMETHING.
Survey
Where to start - our site was originally surveyed by Patrick Whitefield about 7 years ago! Following on from that we ran a successful box scheme, but the land and specifically its drainage changed dramatically for the worse when the cultivation of the surrounding land changed, and the quarter acre vegetable garden was flooded.
Since then, the area has been cleared by pigs, and finally ploughed firstly by Neil with a vintage plough on the David Brown, and finally ploughed by a friend with a BIG tractor.
So, with me as my own client, I approach the Client Interview with some trepidation!
Me: So, what things do you actually like about the field?
Me: I like the fact that it's an island of purity in a sea of commercial arable, which to be honest, shouldn't be there. This is chalk downland, it's pasture - grassland - and the ploughing and cultivation has damaged the soil round here so much - in the middle of this great sea of yellow rape or golden wheat, there is this little grass plot, like an ancient monument. Although I like the idea of culivating some of it, it's important to me that it retains that status.
Now, 6 months later, we are still no nearer to an outcome - we have heard that there is a possibility that we will lose it to a school car park.
After all the waiting, we finally snapped and decided to do SOMETHING.
Survey
Where to start - our site was originally surveyed by Patrick Whitefield about 7 years ago! Following on from that we ran a successful box scheme, but the land and specifically its drainage changed dramatically for the worse when the cultivation of the surrounding land changed, and the quarter acre vegetable garden was flooded.
Since then, the area has been cleared by pigs, and finally ploughed firstly by Neil with a vintage plough on the David Brown, and finally ploughed by a friend with a BIG tractor.
So, with me as my own client, I approach the Client Interview with some trepidation!
Me: So, what things do you actually like about the field?
Me: I like the fact that it's an island of purity in a sea of commercial arable, which to be honest, shouldn't be there. This is chalk downland, it's pasture - grassland - and the ploughing and cultivation has damaged the soil round here so much - in the middle of this great sea of yellow rape or golden wheat, there is this little grass plot, like an ancient monument. Although I like the idea of culivating some of it, it's important to me that it retains that status.