Volunteers James and David joined us this month to complete the re-wiggling of the stream which runs through the farm. It now splits into two paths: the original straight drainage ditch and a new meandering path. Our goal is to slow the water flow with leaky dams, ponds, and reed-filled wetlands, creating a diverse ecosystem that attracts wildlife and improves water quality.

Despite the wet conditions, which resulted in a few stuck machines, the volunteers connected their efforts to the work started by Ben and the engineers last year. They leveled banks and covered the streambed with siltstone leftovers from our house build.

To enhance the area, we’ve scattered wetland and clay-specialist wildflowers and grass seed mixes, including water avens, yellow-flag iris, ragged robin, common sedge, common agrimony, betony, corn chamomile, and meadowsweet. Next, we plan to plant native riparian saplings like willow and alder to stabilize the banks and absorb excess nutrients, give the reed beds a head start, and create a ford.

We are excited to see how nature will take over this summer and into next year, so stay tuned for updates!