Water, water everywhere - The Accidental Smallholder

Posted: Tuesday 15 February, 2011

by Rosemary at 2:00pm in Anything goes 2 comments Comments closed

Granted, we've had quite a lot of rain this week but parts of our fields are underwater. With only 12 acres, we can't afford to lose that much grass.

We had soil samples taken this week by a local firm, who will provide an analysis and advice on what to apply and when. The bloke that came out was very helpful and explained about liming and trace elements. The pH test was free but a full soil analysis was £25- we had 5 samples taken, but we reckon that £125 is a good investment if it helps us take good care of the land.

The soil test man also gave us a couple of contacts for local drainage contractors. After a call yesterday, one of them came to visit today. We plodged around the fields (my wellies ar leaking), looked in the drainage ditches and the burn.

The good news is that our drainage ditch is A1. Sheepfold is also nice and dry, perhaps because of its proximity to one of the ditches. There may be some compaction of the soil, resulting in panning, so mole draining might help but basically, we have two options - ditches or drains.

Ditches are obviously visible and. although cheaper than drainage to initially install, will need to be fenced to keep stock out and kept clear. With the fencing in place, it's difficult to get machinery in to clear them.

Drains are more expensive to install, largely because of the materials for the backfill. However, once in, they should work well with litle or no maintenance for may years. In fact the drains on the property are probably 150 years old now.

Jimmy, for that is the drainage man's name, is coming back later in the week with his laser equipment to check all the levels, then he'll give us some costed options. Then we'll make a plan!!