Farndreg, Swanage

In 2017 we moved into our bungalow, which had been built in 1970 and had two extensions since then. We suspected that the original walls did not have cavity wall insulation so we got a survey from Healthy Homes Dorset. The survey confirmed our suspicions and we were delighted to find out that we were eligible for a full grant for the insulation because more than half the property needed insulating and we were over 65. Grants also apply if someone living in the property has certain health conditions or is under five. In August 2021 we had solar panels and a battery installed and were able to take advantage of the discounts available through the Swanage Solar Streets scheme. An air-sorrce heat pump will be installed at the end of October 2022, helped by a £5000 government grant.

We have planted four fruit trees, two of which are against the wall of the bungalow so do not take space in the garden. We leave some parts of the grass long and found pyramid orchids growing there. The hedges are thick and have had robins, blackbirds and magpies nest in them, and we found wasps nesting under some old logs. We let wild blackberries grow through some of the bushes so we have easy access to them. We compost and catch rainwater in two waterbutts. We like to repurpose, building a log store out of old pallets, a hammock out of an old sail and making clothes last by turning them into something more interesting!