Spring is in the air

We started on draining some particularly strong ground springs in the middle of a number of fields.
Over the years several attempts had been made to drain them with conventional methods but when the pipes become blocked the springs just divert elsewhere and the problem continues.
We opened up a 4ftx2ft trench which we piped (just for good measure) but deep filled with reject stone. This way the water can get away easily down nearly two feet square of stone filled gully which is then backfilled to allow normal farming operations on top. The spring heads themselves are then opened up and mass filled with large stone to alleviate the rising pressure.
By the time we had finished the first three the water was flowing down them nicely.

While this was all going on I managed to find the time to go and look at 3 other jobs, bring in 3 load of stone on the Fastrac as well as mark out and plan all the work for this week.
This week sees the continuation and completion of the last of the spring alleviation work, the installation of a new mains water supply to one of the cottages on the farm and then the extension of a hard-standing area for the cattle yard. I then have to find time to go to Berkshire and look at a dredging job for later this year.
Towards the end of this week there will be a low-loader move booked in but the company I use are struggling at the moment to keep on top of things as their main heavy haulage tractor unit caught fire and burnt out last Monday...
Luckily the driver was unhurt and turned up Tuesday to drop off the machinery as grouchy as ever !
They're having to run a standard waggon and can't haul the heavier loads at present.

I have another young lad starting this Monday so we will see how he turns out. He has some turf to cut back first thing and then Tuesday can go on the water pipe job. At least this way it should free up a bit more of my time.
I've still got my Defender and the dealer has said that I can hold on to it until my new truck arrives.
I'm going to be sad to see her go but have to admit that a bit more comfort will be most welcome.
On the other hand I am looking at buying a second hand Defender110 pick-up for my main guy to run around in so he can go and fetch stuff rather than having to wait for me to go and do so.
Not long now before the clocks go forward and we can start getting some early starts in.
To be fair, the mornings are pulling out well now and it's nice to know Spring is just around the corner or that winter is waiting to return.
The one thing we have noticed is that despite any small amounts of rain we have had, when you dig down below six inches, the ground is as dry as anything.
We need rain.... but just not yet.


Catch moths by baiting a mousetrap with an old woolly jumper.