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Three years ago….
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The first year at the Moulin was exciting and daunting in equal measure – getting to know the land in detail takes time – and this was the very beginning of the process. So the first jobs were those that were really obvious and were mostly about clearing and cleaning.
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It was obvious that the stream was massively overgrown – choked with weeds and undergrowth – and that if all that was cleared away the spaces would open up and the beauty of the running water would be revealed.
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After I gazed at a huge job like that for a while I realised two things; that it was going to take a long time that I just had to start somewhere – anywhere – and then keep going until, bit by bit, it was done – there would be no shortcuts.
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So the first section was a small flat area maybe 30 metres by 5 – on the far side of the stream and not far from the guest house. This was a massive tangle of brambles and overgrown saplings about two metres high and very thick …… apart from using the chain saw for some of the bigger stuff … the rest was just a question of hand tools patience – lots of scratches – and a bonfire that took two days to burn out – (after I finally got it to light!)
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Today this is a fantastic spot – it is bordered by a steep bank and which is covered in mature trees and dense scrub – so the contrast with the flat cleared area is great – it now has a new willow tree planted – and is the spot that was chosen for a very special and rare tree – “metaseqioua glyptostroboides” – otherwise know as the Dawn Redwood – its a deciduous conifer – loves plenty of water – is growing really well and may well reach 12-15 metres. It’s now a great spot for hanging out in dappled shade, it has a great view of the house and waterfall – and has been the chosen site for a few tents from time to time.
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So far, it has taken more than two years to clear the stream from the main entrance to half way down the canyon !
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