Lighting the rocket mass heater
Today we pushed on, built a brick support around the base of the firebrick burner, – above, and then backfilled all the gaps with perlite and a clay mix to thoroughly insulate the fire itself, which we want to burn as hot as possible. The clay mix...
Solar hot water – new and improved
We’ve had our solar thermal panel up for nearly 2 years now, and while it has been great, we always knew it was slightly too small for the size of hot water tank we have. Some time ago our friend John Clementson was kind enough to let us rehome a couple of older...
Making a start on the rocket mass heater
Now that we’ve the outside of the build done, (regular readers will realise that there is something of a gap here, but don’t worry its coming soon), we are turning our attention to the rocket mass heater that is going to keep the space warm. For those who...
Celebrating our solstice
As the sun set on the longest day of the year, we celebrated the midsummer solstice with good company and a fire (or two). The weather has been amazing this last few weeks, and it held out for us in fine style. Here the sun sets over Crabtree Hill, and as it did we...
Great reasons to plant trees
An incredible 35 tonnes of carbon will be locked up over the lifetime of the trees we will plant for those who have so far pledged to our crowdfunding campaign – as well as being beautiful:) We’re planting a tree for everyone who gets involved, as well as...
Hanging strawberries
Last year we grew all our strawberries in beds at ground level, but a fair amount were eaten by something (probably slugs), so this time, encouraged by the amazing results we saw in Danny Kowalsky’s tunnel, where he grows strawberries in lots of hanging baskets,...
First fruit
We can barely keep up with the growth down in the polytunnels and growing field, and flowers such as these marigolds are attracting huge numbers of beneficial insects and pollinators. Borage has seeded and is growing around the pond, and is great for attracting bees,...
Hen party
After years of making do with a camera phone, we finally bit the bullet and got ourselves a decent camera. I have to say that the results were worth it, and our chickens have been obligingly posing for me. f
Less really is more..
We love our hens, and I can’t imagine a time when we wouldn’t have them here – after all, what smallholding doesn’t have hens roaming around? Although ours have lived at times in a contained area, they love to free range around the...
Firewood finally
The past two winters have involved a constant battle to find enough wood fuel to keep us warm, and at times when trudging around in sleet and snow to retrieve sodden timber from the woods has been nothing short of miserable. So this spring we built the lovely new...
It’s seed sowing time!
The joys of our polytunnels mean that even on horrid days we can be doing something and be toasty and dry. Lyra can come down and play whilst we get on with the serious business of growing this years supply of veg. Four of the outdoor beds are planted with autumn sown...
Could you give Martin a home?
This is Martin, a mostly Welsummer cockerel, who is truly a great looking chap. Martin is looking for a flock of ladies to call his own, and until then is roaming our smallholding, singing to any hen that will listen. Could you offer Martin a home? Otherwise I will...
The finer points of firewood
When you rely on wood for your heating and cooking, you realise that there is a vast amount of knowledge that was once common but is now largely forgotten, all of which is really quite vital to your success. Our first year has been a steep learning curve, but...
A Million Trees in One Day
Last year we took part in the million trees in one day initiative, which very ambitiously hoped to do what it said on the tin. Technically this year it should be called ‘The rest of one million trees in one day’ but the sentiment is the right one. Some...
The wood fuelled home
It has to be said, our lives revolve around wood, and as a fuel trees are hard to beat. They lock up carbon, are completely renewable, and have multiple uses. Trees are key to our approach, both in providing habitat here at Lackan, and as a sustainable source of fuel....
The very first South Down Food Swap!
As part of the South Down GIY (Grow It Yourself) group, we are pleased to announce the very first South Down Food Swap on Saturday October 12th, between 2 and 5pm. The idea is that people bring along their surplus, and are able to swap and barter for the things...
Get a taste of the Good Life
All you need to enjoy a break from the connected world is here. The house truck features a unique upcycled pallet wood interior, well equipped kitchen, wood powered shower, and of course, an outside compost loo with a view. Harriet even has her own decking area where you can sit and admire the view, and is powered by solar electricity.