Orchard Barn in Ringshall is off-grid, so no mains electricity, no mains gas and no mains water. However we need water for our construction projects and for the plants on the vegetable plot.
We have a large pond and rainwater is collected at various points around the site. But movement of that water around the site, particularly the volumes required by thirsty vegetables, means we are looking at ways to make life easier.
A tank at the highest point of the garden would make gravity watering possible but we have to get the water to that tank. One idea is a solar powered pump trickle feeding it from one of the rainwater tanks.
A low-tech alternative would be a hand-pump and one volunteer has produced a prototype made out of drainpipe, a broom-handle, wood and flexible plastic.
If you could help us with the movement of water then come along any Wednesday, we are SW of Mill Road, Battisford or visit our website www.orchardbarn.org.uk or phone 01473-658193.