We're doing some major clean up work down at the river here at Struan Farm. John and Mike have taken over a paddock still owned officially by the neighbour, but on our side of the river.
The neighbour gave up on trying to run stock over the old swing bridge many years ago now and had let the paddock go to the pack. It's full of weeds: blackberry, wandering jew ("tradescantia zebrina"), Japanese walnut, and other spread-y, bad things. John still needs to negotiate buying it for a nominal sum, but either way it needs to be re-fenced and cleaned up before sheep can go in there to graze. That's happening. This also allows us to do more clean up along the roadside and river, get rid of bad weeds and plant natives.
I'm staying far away from the associated chemical sprays and major weed whacking involved in this project, but have had a look to provide encouragement. At one time this area was part of the original farm, and for many years John's dad looked after it even when it wasn't technically his to look after. Just because. But at a certain point the neighbour said he wanted to use it. Until he didn't because of the bridge. The bridge is still structurally sound, but it's not worth the trouble confirming that either way for a small out of the way paddock on a huge property (such are our health & safety regulations).
The Mad Mower has now decided he needs to mow the track from the picnic area at the river below Jim's Hut to the rapids, sandy beach, and this new paddock. It will make it easier for farmstay guests to see where to walk along the river. But the Mad Mower had a problem: pine cones on the ground along the route, which cause digestion problems for his mower.
And so I was enlisted to pick up the pine cones, which we use as fire starters in the winter. Bags and bags have been collected and are in the shed. The way is now clear for the Mad Mower to do his thing and for the project to continue. That's the kind of wife I am!
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