We have just passed the solstice, but winter is only beginning. After a long Indian Summer we have had a few frosts but today – the shortest day of the year – it was 18 degrees. I had an awesome surf and planted garlic. As you do.

Other projects we have going on involve planting trees and engaging children in nature. A Denmark-inspired “forest kindergarten” type programme is running two days each week on the farm. The children spend the entire day outdoors.

I finally finished their ‘storm shelter’ in case the weather turns while they are down in the valley. It can double as accommodation for our interns or guests in the future.

But for now it’s all for the kids.

On another note, we have adopted a 9 year-old ‘retired’ farm dog who is loving his semi-retirement.

He has a fairly small flock to mind at the moment.

As far as winter plantings, we are planning to re-establish this wetland by planting about 1,000 native plants.

We are also protecting against future slips such as this one on the neighbours farm one year ago.

A group of students from Wanganui Collegiate School came last week for a farm tour and a little hands-on work. This north-facing slope is being planted to manuka for bee fodder.

We’ve had a little trouble keeping the cows out so we’re resorting to barded wire.

And on a final note, we have our first olives.

Peace, Estwing