Jane Bayley from Sarnau reports on latest progress as she prepares for the 4th Annual Fundraising Event for the Moroccan Bee Project at the Small World Theatre, Cardigan on Sunday December 7th from 6-9 pm

Over the last 12 months a great deal of progress has been made, the project having been blessed in ways that were not expected though there have been challenges too!

The first plantings in permaculture inspired Bee Orchard took place over the winter and early spring thanks to the completion of the well and irrigation system. The water has been used to help establish the first windbreak and fruit trees as well as the sowing of the seeds of Tree Lucerne, which helps to protect the soil and feed the both livestock and the soil. Members of groups who were taking dancing and cultural holidays at La Maison Anglaise, the guest house that Jane runs in nearby Taroudant, were involved in the planting ceremonies including local residents Lorraine Sherman and Patricia Phillips.

Sadly there was a terrible drought in the summer which resulted in the well yield falling dramatically and the consequent loss of a cash crop of peas and beans that was to have paid for the well. Instead money had to be spent on deepening the well – Jane has lent them the cash to do that. Despite the drought the first quinces, figs and papaya are bearing fruit, some of the papaya are 8 feet high already and the “Miracle Tree”, a fast growing multipurpose tree with many amazing properties is growing well.

Luckily on the same small family farm two other projects, neither of which are dependent on rain, have sprung up: the first is the restoration of an old earth house abandoned 25 years ago after the death of a grandmother. Named the Pigeon House after the pigeons which live in its walls, it provides a perfect space to entertain visitors to the project, to explain to them about various aspects of sustainable and traditional livelihoods – permaculture, earth building, pigeon rearing, bamboo crafts and the bee orchard and to sell the now world renowned oil derived from the native argan tree.

The second new project was inspired by internationally renowned circle dance teacher Laura Shannon who noticed that it had become extremely difficult to find embroidery items made by hand in local markets. Laura’s interest in these items arises from the fact that she studies the symbols used which relate to dance steps and traditions dating back to the Neolithic. She suggested that local women who still have the skills might be interested in producing them and that there would be a demand for this handiwork if suitable pieces were produced. The women agreed readily and the response and purchases from the first group to visit has been very encouraging.

At the Busy Bee Centre, set up to provide a space for meetings and processing for the local cooperative as well as a shop and educational materials, new equipment to make their own beeswax foundation has been secured so that the beekeepers can be sure to avoid being sold paraffin wax alternatives which are both toxic to bees and melt in hot weather leading to collapse of the comb.

If you’d like to support the project on Sunday December 7th please come to the Small World Theatre, Cardigan at 6-9 pm. There will be circle dance with live music, food, a bring and buy stall and Moroccan gifts. More information: www.cecu.co.uk Tel 01239 654 267

e: jane@holidays-with-heart.co.uk