A Molesome Approach to Farming.

Messrs Mole, Mole & Mole have set up residence in some areas within and just outside the orchard, pushing up a couple of hedge whips that didn't fit in with the decor. No worries. Foragers works with nature, not against it! Once the mole has created his underground abode, he'll defend it fiercely keeping other moles away, therefore no new molehills should appear. We'll just rake the hills, fix the hedge whips, and leave Mr Mole to enjoy his brand new basement apartment.

Constructing the Raised Beds

We're somewhat behind schedule on the polytunnels due to some drainage issues but hopefully sorted now. We can now build the raised beds in preparation for planting.

Hedge Planting

1200 bareroot hedge whips planted this week throughout the site, mostly Hornbeam but also some other bird friendly varieties including Hawthorn, Wild Privet, Hazel, Guelder Rose and Blackthorn.   We were blessed with ideal weather for planting; no heavy rain and temperatures above freezing.  Hoping that the Rootgrow gel as recommended by RHS with help the young plants thrive in order to provide some good wildlife habitat and shelter for the orchard once they mature.

Windbreak Fence Almost Complete

We have been blessed with some great weather this week helping us to put up the windbreak mesh. Some gentle breezes made the job a challenge at times, but almost complete. Just need to order 17 more metres of material and finish off with cable ties.

Fencing Nearing Completion

We are delighted with the work of our fencer William Montgomery who has done a first class job of our stock fencing throughout the site including the installation of several gates and the construction of a bridge over the stream.  We would have no hesitation in recommending William for fencing and many other tasks including;

• Tree Felling, Reduction & Removal
• Stump Griding
• Log Splitting
• Hedge Trimming
• Fencing
• Grass Cutting
• Turfing
• Weed Control
• Snow Clearing

Contact William Montgomery, Upper Carlstoun Farm,
Acre Valley Road, Torrance, G64 4DL
Email: williammongomery@btinternet.com
Tel (Evenings): 01360 620 038
Mobile: 07900 638 105

Knapweed (Centaurea)

The Foragers farm is situated on an old wildflower meadow. Because biodiversity is paramount to the success of our culinary herb crops, we are protecting and further establishing the diverse flora and fauna found here. One of our favourites is Knapweed (Centaurea). It looks like a thistle and is most loved by pollinating insects, especially bees, flies, butterflies and beetles. The seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-feeding birds. Anyone can grow this from seed at anytime of the year. Great for any garden.

Polytunnels Erected

The team from Premier Polytunnels were up this week to erect our two 30 x 60ft tunnels.  We are delighted with them.  Next challenge will be building raised beds and sorting out irrigation.

Mobile homes arrive on site

Following completion of the barn and connection of the services, the next stage is delivery of our mobile homes.  In order to establish and operate Foragers effectively it's imperative that we live on site, so the McAlpine family is all set to downsize and move to Wester Balfunning Farm very soon.  A great opportunity to get rid of all the accumulated and often unnecessary junk we have gathered over the years.  A few trips to charity shops and recycling centres will be required I think.

I really hope that gate's wide enough!  (watch this video to find out)

Well done McCallum's Caravans - great job!

Water, Gas and Electricity

It’s been a hectic few weeks on site with all the main services now connected.  Some utility companies do generate excessive red tape though!

Traffic management for water connection.

Digging up the road to access the water main.

Domestic and commercial water supply

"The boys from the black stuff"  get the road repaired

LPG supply to mobile homes

Gas pipes pressure testing

Cable arrives for electric supply

Splicing the electricity cable

Connecting the electricity cable

Barn complete

Our barn is now complete.  The floor will never be this tidy again.

Some of the hard working team from Robinsons.  Thanks Artur and Rastick!

Newly laid topsoil over area where polytunnels will be erected July/August

Inside looking towards roller shutter

Inside looking towards dividing wall to cider house

What will be the cider house

Almost wind and water tight

Our barn is nearing completion.  Concrete floor, castle boarding and doors installed this week by Robinsons Scotland Ltd.

Timber cladding and doors being installed

The concrete floor being poured

Help were stuck!

It took two tractors to pull this heavy JCB tele-handler out of the soft stuff. Thanks to our neighbours Gordon and Malcolm for coming to the rescue at very short notice.

Progress continues apace at Wester Balfunning

Building work starts on the first building at Foragers Foods.  Our barn and cider house should be completed early May.

Most of the steelwork erected in 1 day

Safety netting in preparation for roofing

Construction starts at Wester Balfunning

Drew Graham Contracting Ltd. arrived on site today to get the project started.  Here's hoping for a spell of dryer weather to help us get the groundworks completed asap.