About the land at Orchard Barn, Ringshall

The land at Orchard Barn is defined by the numbers 19 and 20 on this drawing of a 1904 map. To the north of the barn is a large pond and the ruins of a medieval house. Orchard extends to the south. The plot is 1.5 acres. There is an extensive ditch network.

The soil is clay (with the bonus of our own lime) and promises to be great for cob construction. We plan to dig a large hole to home a rainwater harvesting tank. The dug clay will then be used to restore the old flint and clay walls around the old farmyard. Maybe there will be enough to create a round apple store!!

Orchard Barn was once part of the 9 Elms Farmstead. Elm is prevalent on site. Some Elms are approaching 30' tall and 8/9" diameter. Many small clumps are regenerating themselves.

The old Elm in the photograph below stands at the entrance to the old farmyard. We called it the Guardian of the courtyard. There are several old tree/posts which we treasure and plan to retain.

The regenerative power of Elm is a major lesson to us all. Even if something looks dead above the ground, it has the energy for regrowth. The fruit trees also demonstrate that there is creative life in what appears dead. We draw much strength from this observation, because almost everywhere we look on site, everything needs restoration!!

more photos to follow

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www.orchardbarn.org.uk © 2007 Wildfire Designs

Photographs © Tony Mounter and Sarah Partridge