Wednesday, 18 December 2024

The Christmas Walk: 18-12-2024

 

This makes a change!!

The NCVs couldn't believe their luck! Not only were they not to be subjected to any keep fit or mindfulness routines this week, but they were not going to have to plant a single tree. Added to that, they were going to be treated to a slap up meal by the NNL office. Now that sounds like a VERY good day. 

Was it something to do with it being a Wednesday instead of a Tuesday? 

No - not at all. That was just because the Sun Inn near Norwood doesn't open on a Tuesday. 

Was it because all the Smaden Head Farm hedging is complete? 

No - there is still plenty more to be done.

Apparently it was just Liz's way of saying a big thank you for all the NCVs' hard work this year How nice!! Mind you - the NCVs have put in an amazing 2560 man hours since the 1st January. They have planted 8100 trees amongst the many, many other tasks, such as holly removal, churchyard maintenance, hedge laying and balsam pulling. All in all a record worthy of a nice pub meal.

But first, there was a little matter of a morning's walk to complete. This was organised by Ken (thanks Ken!) and followed a route around John O'Gaunt's reservoir above Swinsty reservoir (see map at the top of the entry). 

Here's a few pictures to mark the occasion:

There was the usual 
smattering of Christmas hats...

..and two NCVs brought their own Christmas 
puddings to eat along the route.

Then they were off!

There was evidence of the
aftermath of Storm Darragh 
to be seen along the way...

...and lots of interesting old trees.

Through the gate....

...and there was the reservoir.

Eventually we reached the dam...

...the end of which provided a bit of
shelter from the strong wind 
and a wall to sit or lean on.

Just the  place for coffee and cake in fact.
Liz provided no fewer than 3 tasty cakes!
Thanks Liz.

Onwards the gang went
over a number of stiles.


Some were easier to negotiate than others.

A little stop at John O'Gaunt's castle
(in need of a bit of work from the walling group.)

Meanwhile, back at the Sun Inn, the staff were busy preparing our meal.

Helpings were very generous.

Andy looked particularly 
pleased with his chocolate brownie.

And here are the vols - all enjoying a nice sit down in a warm and cosy atmosphere.

The wallers.

David, Will and Graham maintaining 
the Christmas vibe.

Organiser Ken and his tribe.

Leader Liz and most of hers.

Mick and his mates.

Well - let's leave the NCVs to finish off their meal and bring the set of 2024 blog entries to a close. The gang will be back on the 7th January 2025 for another year of hard work and fun. Liz will ensure that she keeps us busy, happy and safe - a volunteer coordinator second to none!

In the meantime, we wish you all a very 

Merry Christmas and 

a Happy New Year!!

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Smaden Head Farm: 10-12-2024

 

After last week’s advert for the NCVs’ fitness plan went viral on the internet, the BBC approached co-ordinator Liz, asking permission to film a pilot episode for their proposed fly on the wall documentary series – “Wellbeing With Wendy”. Of course, Liz, always keen to promote the work of the NNL, agreed. What follows is a taste of what went on during filming…….

“Wellbeing With Wendy”

Pilot Series 

Episode 1 - Mindfulness.

Wendy Witherspoon bounced into the hedge cage, looking every inch the professional wellbeing therapist she was rumoured to be.

“Good morning everyone! I do hope you are all in good health and ready to try out my new mindfulness routine. Just 15 minutes following this practice each day, whilst carrying out your normal daily tasks, will ensure you are imbued with a relaxed and positive attitude to help you deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life. Are we ready?”

The NCVs dutifully nodded and started to follow instructions.

“First – a breathing routine. Take a deep inward breath for a count of 4, hold it, then, perform a deep forward bend while exhaling. Remain in the bent position, with the breath expelled, for a count of 4 and then roll carefully back up.”

Andy H. said he felt dizzy  before keeling over and impaling himself on a bamboo cane.

Dave  complained of a stabbing headache from being inverted and needed to go and take some time out.

This poor NCV screamed in pain as he bent over and put his back out. He had to be airlifted off, like a human hairpin, to LGI.

Wendy, looking slightly put out with the interruption to her routine, decided to move quickly on to the next stage in helping the NCVs to become mindful.

Right everyone. I would like you all to tune into your senses. First – tell me 2 things you can see.”

Ken had a look around and, with a grimace, pointed to piles of saplings to be planted. It wasn’t the most positive of sights, given that there were 1000 to do before home time.

Mick gazed at the ground and, reaching for a rake,  gloomily told Wendy that all he could see was a very thick layer of grass and rushes to prevent spade penetration.

Wendy swiftly moved on. “OK then - tell me 3 sounds you can hear.”

Ros said that the sound of rifles slaughtering local pheasants, echoing across the valley, made her feel very upset.

Andrew helpfully  announced he could hear the sound of Amy banging a cane in with a lump hammer. That is until she cursed loudly, having hit her thumb, and had to go to receive first aid.

Gabby reported that she could hear Dave weeping when his spade hit a gigantic piece of masonry, just where a tree needed planting.

Wendy, getting a little irritated, but not to be put out, asked the group to focus on another sense. “Let’s try smell. 2 things. Anyone?”

Andy C commented that the acrid odour of the cow dung that he had stepped in was turning his stomach.

Liz, planting in close proximity to Andy H., who had been working extremely hard and had built up quite a sweat, complained bitterly of the whiffy aroma emanating from his underarm region.

Wendy – starting to get desperate and hoping for something more positive – squeaked “2 things you can feel!”.

Ros acknowledged that she could feel the wind on her face. Wendy looked hopeful, only to have her hopes dashed when Ros went on to complain that the strong north easterly blast was making her eyes water and her lips chap.

Ken announced he felt unsafe working on the vertical cliff face.

Both these NCVs complained that they were feeling fed up being asked to do pointless things that didn’t make them feel either relaxed or positive.

Wendy, realising she was beaten, abandoned the sense of taste and waltzed off in a huff, her shiny white trainers thick with mud and the pilot programme in tatters.

The NCVs sat down to eat lunch.

“This chocolate brownie tastes good,” said Andy C. "Thanks Liz!"

"So do these shortbread biscuits," said Amy. "Thanks Mick!"

 “And the sight of that line of planted saplings just makes your heart sing,” added Andrew.

Everyone relaxed, feeling the warm glow of a job well done, listening to the sound of the birds flying overhead and smelling the delicious aroma of hot coffee from their flasks. Life on a Tuesday was good....

Tuesday, 3 December 2024

Smaden Head Farm: 03-12-2024

Get into shape the NCV way

Overweight and out of breath? Suffering from stiff joints and muscles through desk bound inactivity?  Feeling stale and in need of fresh air? In despair that you are already completely unfit with the festive season fast approaching, when things will only get worse due to over-indulgence?

Why not try out the:

NCVs' Fitness Plan

This newly devised exercise regime, developed by a group of outdoor activity specialists and trialled with a gang of willing participants, is guaranteed to restore your flagging energy levels and get your body to the peak of fitness in no time at all.

Interested? Of course you are! Read on for more details......

 
Step 1 - enter an enclosed area 
that requires hedge planting.

This allows you to warm up 
the knee and hip joints ready 
for the workout.
 
NB HAVE A MEMBER OF THE GROUP 
CLOSE AT HAND WITH THE DEFIBRILLATOR
JUST IN CASE OF EMERGENCY AT ALL TIMES.

The higher one lifts the legs,
the warmer the joints become.
This volunteer's hip joint was in
danger of spontaneously combusting.

Step 2 - start off gently with some 
forward bends - ideally with straight legs
but this posture will suffice Tom.

Do try to maintain a straight back Mick.

Step 3 -  Next try the downward dog pose.

That's it Liz. Head down with rear end in the air.

Step 3b - a standing cat flex is a good 
alternative to the canine variety.
Leaning on a spade will prevent
you falling too far forward.

Step 4 -  Warrior stance gives the 
inner thigh muscle an excellent 
stretch and strengthens bones.

Step 5 - lifting weights.
This increases upper body strength.
No dumbbells?
Just use a lump hammer.
 
Here Dave ably demonstrates the lateral
dumbbell raise.
Excellent for toning the lats.
 
NB ALWAYS TAKE TIME OUT 
TO KEEP HYDRATED.

Step 6 - The sumo squat. This is 
wonderful for improving leg strength.

Step 7 - the backward bend. 
If Helena could just put her hands on
the ground behind her, that would 
make a perfect bridge. 
 
Step 8 - the tree posture.
Just stand on one leg. 
Excellent for balance and 
strengthening the inner core muscles.
 
Step 8 - the cooling down period.
A time to stretch your hard 
worked muscles.
Here Helena demonstrates how 
stretching out your back leg
calf can be done against a fence. 

By the time you reach this stage you will 
not only feel marvellous, but, if you
 look behind you, you will see 
1000 planted hedge trees that
were not there before!
 
Anyone standing watching will
be very impressed with your physique 
as you leave the outdoor gymnasium.

If you feel that this programme may be the one for you then please contact Liz Milner, at the office of the Nidderdale National Landscape, asap. Places are limited. There is no charge for people who would like to enrol on this weekly plan, provided you are willing to carry out certain duties as you workout.