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Felting and cards |
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Croft |
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Introduction Paul is a tenant of 2 adjoining crofts which in total amounts to just over 5 acres (2 hectares). Typical of many crofts the land is a long thin strip. The idea of the long strips is that everyone has some good land and poorer land as you head to the moor. As with many crofts in this area they have been sub-divided among the sons of previous tenants. The crofts at 15, 16 and 17 were once one but were divided for 3 sons. A direct descendant owns 17 but 15 and 16 were separate, are now used as one, though having to pay two rents, which is only a small sum.
Where we are now Although there was some good fencing, there are still large areas which need fencing and these are being wasted at the moment as livestock will escape and vegetable matter will be consumed by other sheep. We have a small flock of Scottish blackface sheep, currently only four, the aim is to go to the black Hebridean sheep. The price obtained for sheep is poor and need a fair amount of upkeep in medicines etc. We had two Tamworth cross pigs which was not only for their meat but for their ploughing abilities too. The pigs are a bit of an experiment to see if they are profitable, but their food bill is quite high. We have a number of chickens that lay eggs for our own consumption. I have also have grown vegetables, mainly for our own consumption and have a nearly completed polytunnel. I have planted a large number of strawberry plants about 350 but need many more for the Jam and a number of other fruit bushes including Raspberry, Tayberry, Blackcurrant, Redcurrant, blackberry and an experimental Saskatoon berry. Coming soon Loganberry and Blueberry (These are not very tolerant of salt, although I have selected varieties that are the best in this respect and maybe with protection may get fruit—watch this space!)
Aims for the future While there will always be a need for livestock in a small way (it is only 5 acres) the main aim is to grow fruit for the Jam production. Can you grow fruit that far north? Yes is the answer to that, the climate is relatively warm, albeit wet due to the gulf stream near by. Our biggest enemy is the wind, which can be really bad so protection is a must. If you don’t believe me see our friends site via the links page at the polycroft, where they grow large amounts of grapes. |
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The Tamworth Pigs |
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The Chickens |
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View of some of the croft |
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Sheep no. 36 |
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Good onions this year |
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Cauliflower, quite tricky here, but a reasonable crop |
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The Old Post Office |
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To Facilitate not dominate or manipulate. |