Environmental sewage system!

Gravel is leveled out on top of the coarser layer beneath

Construction has begun on a reed-bed system to replace our aging septic tank. Shown is the large tank which will comprise the first of the two-phases of purification. Raw sewage will flow into this and filter through graded beds of gravel. Reeds will use the nutrients to grow. Excess water will flow out into a more naturalistic system of channels, planted with various types of vegetation, including the Robinia pseudoacacia which already grows there.

Reed bed with chateau behind

This large project takes our commitment to the environment forward in a big leap. Not only will we no longer need to have a septic tank regularly emptied by big truck; we will create a wildlife haven and we will be able to harvest and make use of the organic material that is fertilised by our waste.

Some of the shades of tomatoes

We are very keen to minimise our impact on the environment. We already took a big leap last year, with a commitment to buy only organic food. We have also, for many years already harvested vegetables from the garden each year, to supplement those that we buy. We had a bumper crop of tomatoes this year, mostly from our polytunnel. We continue to harvest squash, chard, lettuce, greens, courgette and have kale and cabbage for the winter. Unfortunately our current Gardener will soon be leaving, so if you are a passionate and skilled organic gardener, and would like to spend the next few years helping to take our vision forward, please get in touch.

All these apples came from just one tree!

Our staff campground is also an orchard, containing trees planted by us, and others that were here long before we arrived. Ralph and I spent some time harvesting one tree: I climbed and shook the branches and he picked up the fallen fruit. We took about 160 kilos from just one tree (see picture) and we will take it to a local cidrier to press for juice. If some accidentally turned to cider, we would have to deal with that...