I'm really confused. It sounds like there is going to be a scorched earth policy. If they want an area for wildlife, why not start with an attitude of what can be saved to start with. If woodland is there already, I would save that as undisturbed for the time being, for sanctuary for any animals. When the rest of the garden is done and animal friendly, then the woodland wildlife area can be selectively tidied.
Cut down logs could be used for a log pile on the edge of the woodland. Clear all brambles carefully, checking for hedgehogs as you go. Get rid of all rubble, shopping trolleys, abandoned fridges etc. I dont know how many people you have on this job, but that should keep you going until Spring. By that time, wildlife, may be moving around and save itself. Any treasures that could be saved should be coming up.
Yesterday, while I was out, someone knocked on the door and asked Hubby if he wanted the front garden tidying. He would cut everything down, dig it all over, and it would be tidy. yes, it would be tidy, but the wife would kill you, he says. There is a colony of ground nesting bees, hundreds of bulbs, frogs and toads, and lot of perennials that will emerge in Spring. I tidy it very carefully. Scorched earth policy is out.
You say you have completed level 1 in horticulture so would it be a good idea to ask your past tutor or his / her current pupils to advise / assist.........obviously if local
Perhaps they could use it in their dissertation
Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
They have bought the land next to their property a few years ago to stop developers building on it.
Unfortunately it's gone out of control & is completely overgrown. I have estimated 60 + tons of rubble dumped presumably by travellers & goodness knows what else. They have decided they want it cleared & to use the area for a large garden with sections for wildlife. To be honest, you would really need to see it as it's difficult to describe. They want it levelled & to start again.
It's a complete jungle overgrown by nettles & brambles as far as the eye can see. They approached a few companies to get quotes to completely clear it & to start again. We are also installing a 150 metre fence around the area, installing a 150sq metre driveway & building a 16 metre wall with an entrance gate. So it's a very large & expensive project that's costing tens of thousands of pounds.
I have advised them of the wildlife & we will do everything we can along with the local wildlife trust & I will also speak to the council.
I will indeed contact Capel Manor and ask for their advise & possible help. Great idea.
I employ 7 people & our aim is to complete all the work within 5 weeks. It's impossible to do it manually so we are hiring a 6 ton digger & will require 5-7 grab lorries to remove the rubble.
I think asking for volunteers before the work has started would be a good idea from a local charity or college.
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I'd ask them for advice...
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I'm really confused. It sounds like there is going to be a scorched earth policy. If they want an area for wildlife, why not start with an attitude of what can be saved to start with. If woodland is there already, I would save that as undisturbed for the time being, for sanctuary for any animals. When the rest of the garden is done and animal friendly, then the woodland wildlife area can be selectively tidied.
Cut down logs could be used for a log pile on the edge of the woodland. Clear all brambles carefully, checking for hedgehogs as you go. Get rid of all rubble, shopping trolleys, abandoned fridges etc. I dont know how many people you have on this job, but that should keep you going until Spring. By that time, wildlife, may be moving around and save itself. Any treasures that could be saved should be coming up.
Yesterday, while I was out, someone knocked on the door and asked Hubby if he wanted the front garden tidying. He would cut everything down, dig it all over, and it would be tidy. yes, it would be tidy, but the wife would kill you, he says. There is a colony of ground nesting bees, hundreds of bulbs, frogs and toads, and lot of perennials that will emerge in Spring. I tidy it very carefully. Scorched earth policy is out.
Very true Fidget
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
? Paul
You say you have completed level 1 in horticulture so would it be a good idea to ask your past tutor or his / her current pupils to advise / assist.........obviously if local
Perhaps they could use it in their dissertation
Unfortunately it's gone out of control & is completely overgrown. I have estimated 60 + tons of rubble dumped presumably by travellers & goodness knows what else. They have decided they want it cleared & to use the area for a large garden with sections for wildlife. To be honest, you would really need to see it as it's difficult to describe. They want it levelled & to start again.
It's a complete jungle overgrown by nettles & brambles as far as the eye can see. They approached a few companies to get quotes to completely clear it & to start again. We are also installing a 150 metre fence around the area, installing a 150sq metre driveway & building a 16 metre wall with an entrance gate. So it's a very large & expensive project that's costing tens of thousands of pounds.
I have advised them of the wildlife & we will do everything we can along with the local wildlife trust & I will also speak to the council.
I will indeed contact Capel Manor and ask for their advise & possible help. Great idea.
I employ 7 people & our aim is to complete all the work within 5 weeks. It's impossible to do it manually so we are hiring a 6 ton digger & will require 5-7 grab lorries to remove the rubble.
I think asking for volunteers before the work has started would be a good idea from a local charity or college.
Thanks for all your help & advise
Arise Sir Paul Anderson Knight of The Realm for you have Great Works to perform !!
I would be very interested to see the end result
This is a massive challenge young un
Go get em Tiger !!
Thank you everyone for all your advise.
The people restoring the Lost Gardens of Heligan must have had the same problem. Perhaps they would be willing to advise as well.