A big step m’thinks…

     Now I was definitely, and I mean definitely even thrice definitely not going to be taking on any more clients on the gardening side of my daily workload. I had drawn this line in the sand in the run up to my holiday back in the month of May due to several (well a few) factors. Firstly I have a habit of not saying no to more work, probably a throw back to when I had to take on whatever work I could find back in the fledgling years of “Suburban Wildlife Gardener”, which means I always now seem to have too much work, although this is a positive negative m’thinks. Secondly because of my success time is limited to spend time with G, complete much needed tasks at home, write more than a line on this blog and work on my own bleedin’ garden. Thirdly the machinery servicing and repair work in t’ Orc’s Workshop has been ticking over better than expected whereas I was thinking that it would be more seasonally restricted to late autumnal and winter work. So to take on any more clients would be bloody stupid wouldn’t it?

    But then whilst away in Cornwall I received a message upon my telephone after a missed call (yes I still do not answer calls from unknown numbers) that sparked my interest a tad. Words contained within said message such as “unusual, wildlife inclusive, local and with perhaps odd and challenging restrictions” were banded around. After talking to G, I decided to respond and arranged a meeting with a gentleman, name of Jeremy, after our break with the notion that it would have to be something very special for me to even consider taking on more work. It was and is something very special, something that will be rewarding and may even lead to other things less back breaking for my decrepit body.

     When I first arrived at Jeremy’s garden I was met with a bubbly, enthusiastic and pleasant gentleman in a garden that at first glance really did not excite me, shabby twee were the words that came to mind if I was asked to describe it. The garden was maintained all but for a raised bank that runs along the bottom of it with its facing side a tangle of gorse, brambles and other strong growing British natives, the rear of the bank is a mixture of mature trees (not all native), saplings and some laurels producing an area of dry and very shaded aspect….

Front aspect

Rear aspect

    The site piqued my interest, simply because of the challenges of gardening on an obviously very difficult site but not enough to think of taking on the remit of making the site blend into the garden more and at the same time encouraging a much more wildlife attracting area. Even Jeremy’s tale of chasing my van for several miles down the Wrexham bypass to photograph my contact details did not seal the deal. But what did genuinely make me grasp this opportunity with both my clammy little hands was what this mound that runs through Jeremy’s and his neighbours gardens actually is. This mound is actually a part of Offa’s dyke, which basically is an earthen work mound and ditch that runs the length of the English/Welsh border and is of national importance. Built over a thousand years ago with many parts still visible to this day this is a hugely important archaeological site and to be asked to work upon it is an amazing thing, though of course I will still be charging a huge fee for my services! 

    Already since the initial meet up with Jeremy I have attended a site meeting with a rather pleasant gentleman from Cadw called Guy and yesterday another site meeting with Guy and a charming young lady, the Offa’s dyke projects officer by the name of Helen. Both of these individuals are knowledgeable and very enthusiastic people and I am looking forwards to working with them on this project. These meetings are the initial steps of sharing my ideas and their ideas, discussing restrictions and forming strategies going forwards. It promises to be an extremely challenging yet rewarding long term process and who can say where it may lead to?

      So interesting times lie ahead and hopefully I’ll be able to find time to write more and keep you updated on my adventures.