At last, we have several water tanks installed at Holt Wood. These tanks can store up to 1500 litres of water each. With two of them connected to the gutters of our Tool Shed we are expecting to have a good backup water supply soon. This may be needed if rainfall is insufficient to maintain propagation of young trees and some plants through a dry patch. These tanks were originally used for orange juice storage but the orange juice has been washed out, otherwise we might end up with orange squash! The water will also be valuable for washing roots when harvested, and other everyday needs except drinking water. We have other plans for conserving water, including ongoing mulching of the ground as we strim weeds, maintaining furrows and ridges to slow water run-off down on slopes, placing smaller open metal tanks around the site, and widening the adjoining water course to provide an additional source if needed. Meanwhile it seems like spring has almost arrived at Holt Wood with Violet Willow (Salix daphnoides) springing into life and producing fluffy white catkins. This willow, alongside Purple Willow (Salix purpurea), is reputed to have high levels of salicin, a natural form of aspirin, in the bark. Harvesting of this bark will start this year.
