Phil time to call in all those favours get everyone to roll up their sleaves and help YOU out for once I think its about time. Good luck 💪🤞

@claireangier3322

27 күн бұрын

Yeah, get a working party together for a week ... Billy and the gang, I know they are busy with their own projects, but just for a week and push through some of your high priority jobs. ❤

@munchkinheaven7877

27 күн бұрын

I think you should offer room and board to students and others in exchange for work. A KZreadr who moved to Ireland did it and got a cabin built and land cleared and put in order for self sufficiency. He has since moved to Finland and starting again, channel is called Mossy Bottom. Helpers pay their own travel costs but you supply room and food, of course get references from tutors but it’s free labour without bothering fellow chateau owners to leave their own projects. In fact the bloke at Mossy Bottom has now got a partener and a child, she was a mature student! He is so obliging I am sure he would give advice about any insurance needed and pitfalls etc.

@mika72.-Bois

27 күн бұрын

May be get some beavers to build some dams??? 🤔🫣

@paulette6087

27 күн бұрын

Enjoy your channel, and the vast your knowledge. If I have missed a favor could you do me one favor take a hand held clipper and clip one small branch from fallen tree. Thankyou and crack on.

@susanbiggs5923

23 күн бұрын

I would say it’s time to call it a day

I'm really glad to see you making a plan for the moat. I'm glad you're feeling better.

So glad you are careful with the trees, creatures and fish. Always makes me happy to hear how you handle the grounds.

Sir have a moat cleaning party with all your friends. Many hands make easy work. Blessings.

@lindabaker2905

27 күн бұрын

That is a good idea.😊

@Tizmelou

27 күн бұрын

Small experienced tip (from a house painting party) don’t provide the bbq and alcohol until AFTER the many handed friends have completed their cleaning tasks 😉👍🏼

@teamum7729

27 күн бұрын

Glad you’re on the mend! Thoughtful planning. Gonna need pro help on this one. Cheers!

Phil while working on the canal restoration in the UK we used a floating slugger. It’s basically a 2 metre square platform with a sludge pump and a ridged suction pipe which can be set at any depth. The out pipe was flexible and in about 6 metre sections. Don’t know if you can get one in France, but you could build one, with your skills.

Look after you first. The Chateau grounds are looking lovely. Thank you for sharing it all with us

Good thinking. I think. 😀 Nothing wrong with removing a few trees each year for firewood. The lake walls must be rebuilt or the property will deteriorate. You have a good mind!

Your ideas for working on the moat section by section sound very interesting! They will make great videos. 😊

That green "waste" is great for Gardeners. A green asset!!!

@marytaylor9185

27 күн бұрын

It is so good that you're using the waste to fill in that area that is sunken. Put down a tarp next to you when you're "fishing" the stuff out, then drag it to your destination. So much easier than having to pick up all the little piles. My suggestion......we did that on our farm with the pond weeds. Mind you, the pond was much smaller than yours!

@americanwoman9880

27 күн бұрын

That's what I was thinking! Maybe he could turn it into a cash crop!

@colleenlongardner2692

27 күн бұрын

Great compost.

always take care of yourself first! Small steps make big accomplishments.

such pure love you get from your dog is wonderful to see😀

Take your time, and care of yourself.

Finally!, a potential solution to the problem. Giddy with anticipation to see this happen!

I admire your optimism for a task too big and too expensive to do yourself. We love your channel but certainly have concerns for a man who’s driving himself to poor health and exhaustion.

I think that's a great theory Phill.

Hey Phil you mentioned sand bags but you might consider water bladders here in Louisiana they use them to contain flooding. I don't know how much they cost but if you had two of them you could isolate parts of your most and they are reusable. On another topic did you get rid of the nutria they are very destructive,

@jillfraser2749

26 күн бұрын

I was trying to think of how Phil could section the moat off and I think you have a great idea 🧡

Phil your health is the most important over the château because if you’re unwell, nothing can be done. You’ve got a gorgeous garden and home. In time, you will get the moat where you want it to look like and be more healthy. Sending love your way. Take care of you and Lightning. ❤❤❤

Just to say, here in Iowa, USA, we were in severe drought for 3 years. NOW we are flooded. There are ponds in my pasture and adjoining fields and nowhere for it to go. Take that into consideration when draining the moat.

@timeforturtles

26 күн бұрын

Praying for IA❤ Y’all have really had your share

That crude you have flu/cold is going around. It takes about two weeks to get over. Sinus congestion, fatigue and may get into your lungs. Take care and rest.

WOW. Sounds like a huge project. Too bad there isnt a small craft that you could use to dredge areas of the moat. At least a paddle boat that would cut and collect the stuff growing in the water...

Phil I know you will figure this out and I know it will take time. Take care of yourself.

You need a drag line, You would not even need to drain anything.😊 Just my idea. They even make suction dredges. That too would work.

Wow !!! What a task !! Here in the states we have like a paddle boat thing that picks up the “seaweed” stuff and put it on the boat you may look that up on line

@vcr210

27 күн бұрын

Yes! And Phil you can engineer and construct it and add it as another business asset!!

@melissavanrickley7762

27 күн бұрын

Such a great idea!

@MrSandmanBerlin

27 күн бұрын

These exist in Europe as well. I grew up by a lake and they would remove all the algae from the public beaches. Additionally, I highly recommend adding air to the moat, as you would with any aquarium. The enormous amount of organic matter getting into the moat depletes it of oxygen as it decomposes, which can prove fatal for the fish.

Great idea Phil. It should work.

@marshawargo7238

27 күн бұрын

It's funny that I, who am not a creative thinker was, when he was filming all the trouble with those critters, thinking too bad that they aren't beaver! They could dam up a part of the moat! Then get it cleaned & rebuild the walls & get it cleaned up of invasive trees and pretty! Then release the water and encourage the beaver to build a wall in the next section! Rinse & repeat! Or as Billy to come out to play & bring his toys! He could even bring his friends he had helping when they all cleaned up the courtyard after he first bought the convent!

your plan sounds amazing, but in the same time really hard but for sure you need to cud down all the trees, as you said, part by part, so you can plant new trees further form the water

Get well soon.. I'm delighted that you have started cleaning out all that algae.

Digging up the silt would be fun to watch. Hope you can get some help. Any news to report on the large Nutria critters?

Sorry to hear that you have been poorly. My goodness what a task sorting the moat out will be. I wish my health would allow me to come and help,being in 🇬🇧 isn’t much use either. I really hope you get a massive amount of volunteers to help your project Phil,you deserve it because you do so much to help others. K🇬🇧❤️

Phil even when you don’t feel well you are getting things done. Nothing like a big deadline to keep you busy. I’m not surprised by your ideas for the moat. Keep on Phil!!

That’s an enormous task but I think taking it part by part will really make a huge improvement.😊

You have some fabulous ideas there. One thing that would be good would be to waterproof the castles mote walls, with some type of breathable membrane that way your interior would not be as damp. If need be creating an extra wall on top of the membrane that would not be seen out of the water. Aerating the bottom of the chateau surely would make a difference. Keep up the good work Phil, stay safe and healthy. Take care and God bless.

Interesting plan, all the best.👍🏻👍🏻

Sounds like you have been thinking about this one for a while and you about got it worked out. Great plan of action Phil, have a great day

Look into using a vacuum truck for clearing the silt

Hey Phil, you opened up a can of worms asking us to keep you to a deadline. My take is do what works for you when it does. Have a good day/night/morning. Love from N.Y.

Super smart idea to address that part of the moat, Well done Phil

So glad you took the time to rest while you were unwell, it can make such a difference to your total recovery time. Interesting projects coming up.

There is no need to excuse yourself for not putting on vlogs for a few days, it's your life and your time. Love they idea you have for fixing the moat without disturbing nature to much and to get around other issues. Time not vlogging wel spend. Hugs for the fury friend❤

I have seen people with ponds and such use floating garden beds in them to eat up nutrients to help prevent other vegetation growth.

Sorry you have been feeling unwell Phil, hope you feel better soon.

My friend puts barley nets in his pond to help keep the algae down wondered if it would help😮 huge job, everything takes time, take care, thank you for sharing 😊

Nature is a modest Lady, she will cover anything we rip out. The trick is, not to uncover too much as you have pointed out. 😉👍

I grew up on a farm. The way they kept the ponds clear was the spring on one side and the drain on the other. Hope this helps you.

Sounds like you have a good plan for the moat. Take care, get some rest and feel better soon.

Glad you were sensible enough to take a few days off for yourself Phil. Take care now

Genius solution to the moat problem. I’ll bet there could be a farmer with the skills and equipment. My family farmed almonds and rice 10:06 in Northern California and moving water and contouring the land is a huge part of irrigation and land reclamation

Once you get all of the algae out of the moat there is an aquatic dye that you can get that doesn't allow sunlight below the surface of the water, so the algae can't grow.

Loved the old photo so different moat look's beautiful

Something I heard once on a gardening program is that putting a bail of Barley, into a pond helps control algae growth in the pond. An organic solution. At the end of the summer the bail of Barley is pulled out and a fresh bail of Barley is put in for the following spring, before the strings holding the bail of barley decays too much and adds to silt problem. It might be worth the a try. Environomentally good for water quality and fishies, and very cost effective if it works. Sorry, it won't work for the weeds in the mote but in theory might at least work for the algae. Also, that heavy weed growth may be caused by excessive use of fertilizer on lawn areas close to mote or perhaps around that feeder lake's shores from farmers. Not sure without being there to monitor local activities. At least the carp should help to control mosquito populations around the mote.

Sounds great. Never know what you'll find in the moat. Exciting. Take care

Have you heard of Aqua-Barriers? They are used in flood prevention and could be a good substitute for sand bags…. mind you, the sand in the sand bags can be used to raise no man’s land… don’t know the costs or practicality of this system but, it may be something to research… love the way you approach issues and find practical solutions! 🇨🇦❤

I see that you are taking a day of your deadline schedule to help out Billy again. Perhaps some reciprocation is called for?

Airation sounds excellent.

It's great to hear possible solutions for the rock wall and other issues regarding the area. Hopefully, this will allow an opportunity to reduce the verment populations. I'm looking forward to your summer plane's.

We are praying 🙏 you feel better soon. Your brain works well. I would have been there for the fun in the muck. Ask friends to help. Leaning on one another is how things get done. XOXO 😘

Fantastic plan for the moat.

Are there any local universities, trade schools or businesses that you could contact about getting students/workers in for hands on training and/or work credits? Engineers, landscapers etc? Def worth looking into! Would be a win-win for everyone!

@janetpendlebury6808

27 күн бұрын

I think he has said before that he does not want a heap of people coming into the place and doing stuff.

@CynthiaBerry713

27 күн бұрын

@janetpendlebury6808 I think he knows deep down that he has got to get help. He doesn't have the time or the $, or the physical ability to do what needs to be done by himself. He needs help, and needs to put his pride aside and allow ppl to help him. He simply can't do it alone.

@CynthiaBerry713

27 күн бұрын

@janetpendlebury6808 and, students don't need overnight accommodations, just access to restrooms and possibly lunch.

Glad you are feeling better. You were missed. Sounds like a well thought out plan for the moat. For clearing all the seaweed-people here (Michigan) use old metal bedsprings to clear the weeds from lakes and ponds. Attach a chain, get it in water and pull it out. It takes all the seaweed with it. Might be faster than one rack full at a time.

I hope all your plans go smoothly and works out well. Seems you have a great plan in place.

Sounds like a good plan.

Glad you're feeling better Phil!

All that hard work is showing wonderful results! Kudos to you 😊

The work on the moat sounds epic. Billy has a digger ....... it should be just the right size to get in there and dig it out. Rebuilding the wall is going to be quite the adventure but well worth it. I am sure you have friends able to help you.

You sound exactly like my hubby and i. We are just recovering from having covid. Despite having jabs we were both really unwell and feel completely exhausted. Look after yourself. Xx

HI Phil, hope you feel better soon! Watching you pull the weeds from the moat made me wonder if a weighted net thrown over the weeds would engulf enough to be pulled out of the moat by a small tractor/large lawnmower.

@pamt7740

27 күн бұрын

I thought about that but then wondered if it would trap the fish?

Phil- I look forward to your videos. The most is a challenge. I am sure you will find a way to deal with it. If is Eurasian Milfoil you shouldn’t chop it up as even the smallest piece of the plant will spread and grow many more plants. In the US we are struggling with this plant in our lakes. If left unattended it will fill the lake and remove the oxygen. Good luck! Hope it isn’t milfoil.

Your plan sounds like it would work Phil! Hopefully some of your friends will come forward to help you. It's your turn!

Great idea to work a section at a time. Good luck. I’m looking forward to watching it all happen.

Hi Phil. I think you should make your moat overflow regulable. That concrete ring is always been an issue anyway. When it rains, its keeps too much water in which can be a problem for the building walls too. The other benefit can be that you can make the water level low enough that the channel's water would be drained after you block up the upper end. That retaining wall is pretty handy in this case. The moat's water level wouldn't dropp too much but you could do the job and check the other parts of the moat wall due the level is lowered while the aquatic life would be safe. The regulating mechanism can also be integrated into the concrete ring. You only need to take a little off the height of the ring. It would be best to restore the old lock, but this can also work.

Good luck, Phil. I hope this also helps with your water rodent problem as well.

Sounds like a good plan on the moat Phil.

SOUNDS Like a plan ❤

I have seen those little peddle boats that lift the weed in our local park they are very efficient .😊

I like your well thought out plan Phil.

Hi you should look at how the VENETIANS drain sections of the canals to work for cleaning and preserving their structured canals. Just an idea.. May work for the moat or may not, but worth the research for extra ideas

I wonder... If you are able to drain the lake in sections... would you reinstate the stone embankments as you go? Also would it be do-able to deal with the infestation you have there as well...? Maybe remove the trees before they collapse the lake embankments... May be get a arborist...??? Perhaps set up a go fund me in order to get it all done before to much more degradation to the lake...? The light reflected from the lake on the ceiling walls is priceless... Take care... Blessings ❤

Yeah, I bet it would work. That is sort of what they do when they build dams and technically you aren't draining anything you are just moving the water about. Perhaps Billy can loan you his digger? I don't think they are using it at the moment. Whatever you decide to do will make a great video.

You have to respect your health, happy you are taking care of yourself. There are some interesting comments and suggestions from viewers that might be helpful. Good luck going forward with most cleanup. 🙏❤️

Always take care of your health first. I live in a area where the harbor comes in and meets the land and at the end of the harbor where it meets the land it would sit and grow algae . There is also a small bridge going over it. The town invested in a filtration system that is under the bridge. When the tide is low the this filtration system cleans it as the tide comes back in. Now I know you don’t have tidal activity. But in summer it tends to develop algae rapidly in between tides. That is when they can actually empty one side and pump all the water back out to the harbor leaving one side ( the side that meets the land ) dry and mud low whilst the sun is out. There are many fish, eels etc in these waters they aren’t harmed as the empty and fill it as the openings that filter the water are wide enough to let them through. I have absolutely no idea how it works but I will ask someone who does or even knows the name of this filtration system and let you know. It may or may not be what you need but it can’t hurt to ask.

Sand bags and heavy plastic sheeting. Water pressure against the sheeting will hold it in place backed up with sand bags. If you take a mini digger into the most use bogs mats to stop you sinking in the silt.

That would be so awesome if you were able to do that work to get the natural walls noticeable again. Good luck in my prayers are with you❤

You can do this . Go! it will work. Looking forward to see when all done . Cheers from Australia

If the government requires you to keep the water in case they need it later, you should bill them a monthly fee for storage of the water. It could help defray the extra costs incurred due to the inability to drain the moat.

Phil, have you looked into a little copper sulfate to control the algae. Also, the sludge you bring up from the bottom can be quite beneficial to gardeners. Might be able to bring in a couple euros.

Oui, tu as besoin de bras pour t’aider pour se colossale travail. Tu as le courage et la volonté. La nature a horreur du vide, c’est une bonne solution de couper les arbres en périphérie ou de les rabattre de deux tiers. ❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

PHIL your always helping everyone. A few people in waders will make a swift job of this without diggers or disrupting natural balance. I agree with you can’t just chop up everything and shock nature but you can trim back things over the moat.

Your roses look amazing!

Dream fearlessly! That’s what I love about you ! Sounds like a great plan for the moat. People come to see you and others not to critique the home ! Feel better

Well done Phil it looking very pretty!

That pond weed needs removing, although it provides oxygen to the water it should only cover a maximum of a third of your moat because during the night it reverses and pumps out co2 which is detrimental to your fish x

That is great fertilizer. 😊

Smart Idea ! I hope it works and glad you are feeling better.

The flowers are in Bloom and are beautiful this time of year. Heard that silt and Algae have pharmaceutical properties and some companies buy it for their product. Simple test can tell. Dredging moat is a big job sounds good in principle but when a person feels well enough and can arrange to have it done. Bartering is a great way to keep project low cost. Downing trees would yield logs to dam up the one area and building a gate can make it achievable. Feel better find some rose hips, full of vitamin C when boiled make a gentle tea to rid colds. Honey and lemon added for calming effect. Later! Relax!😊

Feel better my friend.😊

Definitely take care of yourself. Hopefully your plan will work 😍😘

Bales of barley straw always helps.

That is green gold for gardeners. Great for the garden or compost. Find a way to use it.

If you find yourself in need of a short term clean up of the moat's braken... Try tossing a rope with floaters and large hooks (not fish hooks). It should gather the braken to be pulled out by hand or machine. Just a suggestion. You are doing great.

Hi Phil, sorry to hear you were under the weather, take good care of yourself please 🥴. Love your idea for the moat. Doing it piecemeal is definitely the best way especially with the water restrictions in high summer. And not upsetting Mother Nature as you go. Carp are quite hardy so I wouldn’t say you would lose many if any. Also from what I’ve seen you have been very generous with your time to friends, put the call out for help. They can only say Yes. Take care Judith 🦋

Love your vision! Best wishes for all these plans! You are absolutely amazing.