INORCHARDS

EXPERIMENTING WITH HOMEMADE SOAP MAKING FOR OURSELVES IN 2017, WE DECIDED TO GET MORE PROACTIVE ON THE SOAP MAKING FRONT INTO 2020. INITIAL EXPERIMENTS WITH VARIOUS ESSENTIAL OILS & NATURAL INGREDIENTS PRODUCED SEVERAL LARGE BARS OF SOAP, THAT ALTHOUGH CUMBERSOME AND MIS-SHAPED WERE PERFECT FOR HOUSEHOLD USE and SHARING WITH FRIENDS. GOSHA SOAP HAMPER  EARLY IN 2021 WE STARTED TO WORK TOWARDS A MORE COMFORTABLE SHAPE & SIZE OF SOAP - WHILST CONTINUING TO EXPERIMENT WITH VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF ESSENTIAL OILS AND NATURALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS AND FRAGRANCES FROM OUR HOME GARDEN & KITCHEN.  ST JOHN'S WORT, ROSE PETAL & MADAME - GOSHA SOAP  HOLISTICALLY WE ALWAYS WANTED TO ADD CERTAIN HERBS AND FLOWERS FROM THE HOME GARDEN & ALLOTMENT - THOSE WE SPECIFICALLY GROW WITH THE MOST SUITABLE THERAPEUTIC , DETOXING, MEDICINAL PROPERTIES & EFFECTS. AS A SKIN CARE THERAPY THAT STANDS OUT - BASED ON OUR OWN LIFESTYLE & AUTHENTICITY.   Forget Me Not Sea Salt & Ber

Muntjac Deer Survey 2012 Brocks Hill Country Park by J A J Richardson The aim of this report was to record the activity of Muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesi) at Brocks Hill Country Park. Studies of Sign (visible tracks) and Spore (associated activity) were undertaken between the period of 1st January 2011 and the 1st January 2012. The study area  covered Brocks Hill Country Park ; approximately ranging from Wigston Road Oadby in the north, to Mere Lane Glen Gorse to the south. It was important not to disturb local flora and fauna including any Muntjac during this process. Note: All reference points are taken from the Brocks Hill County Park visitors map. Sign There were clear sign (hoof slots) of an adult Muntjac approaching Brocks Hill Country Park from the south along a field track towards the Wind Turbine (13). This track lead into the Wild Flower Area (5), then onto the Rotary Club of Oadby Wood (11). This track was followed-up into Winter Wood (17), where the track crossed the Hay M

    A HISTORY OF GYPSY-TRAVELLERS in AYLESTONE by J A J Richardson    Preface: The Aylestone Meadows holds a rich tapestry of Gypsy-Traveller culture dug and sown into its general landscape. In praxis, industrial evidence remains in the foundations of the Grand Union Canal and later construction of the Great Central Way (both built by a Gypsy-Traveller workforce). Until more recently Gypsy-Traveller Horses were always a feature of the local landscape. In the flora of which the echoes of the past remain within the hedgerows themselves; as the Hops, Burdock and Horse Radish which still frequent the area today.   Before continuing, it is important to note, that I do not think its for a Gorger / Country Person or Sedentary Dweller to question the authenticity of a "Gypsy" or “Traveller”.  Only a true Gypsy-Traveller can judge this. There are as many and more tribes / clans / traditions / nations within "Gypsy Culture" than there is within "English C

An Introduction to Fungi By J A J Richardson  All Photographs by J A J Richardson  Fungi (the plural of fungus) are fundamental to life on Earth and the way we live and grow as human beings. Likewise the study of fungi is of great importance to the Gardener and the Home Grower. The study of fungi is called Mycology (practised by Mycologists). As a science it stems from the branches of Biology and often sits beside the umbrella of Botany in teaching. However, unlike plants which photosynthesise in order to obtain carbon compounds, fungi source carbon from surrounding materials as they grow. In 1969 R. Whittaker then reclassified such organisms into a kingdom of their own as Fungi. Like plants all fungi are listed according to the Linnaeus system which uses Latin names to identify the Genus species and in some cases the cultivar of a particular variety. Likewise common names are also used by amateurs and hobbyists as a means of recognition. The use of Latin names is however esp

    A Drover’s Track to Market By J Richardson 2002   The staff, the cloak, the capel Along hedgerow by bramble Drove the west-wind cattle On the ancient track to Market   The barley, wheat and whey All work their solemn way Abreast the corn that sways Along the track to Market   The wool, the wove, the sack The curly Shepherd’s lad Sometimes a Damsel clad The weary road to Market   The snort, the squeak, the squeal May escape this dreadful trail Though not by head or tail On the ancient way to Market   The Lord, the Maid, the Abbot The Partridge, Poult and Pheasant Awash the scent of nettles On the winding road to Market     Forthwith the trail of treason Where appear there-be no reason But harks the call of season A Drover’s Track to Market