Tree planting was the
task for the day, (and indeed for the next two weeks), and fortunately the day was dry and wind free
with a light dusting of snow though sun was in short supply. Paul had delivered in advance saplings, post
and tree guards to the site, in a stream-side setting below Fir Tree Farm.
The selection of
native trees and equipment were funded through the Woodland Trust and Laver
River Trust, together with assistance from the AONB Farm Conservation Advisor,
Marian Wilby.
Rumour had it that we
were to plant some 700 trees so it was good to see 15 hardy souls assembled at
the farm. Paul plus 11 NCVs were joined by Howard, a tree warden, and three young men from
Woodbuds, a small local firm supplying eco friendly earphones. In conjunction
with the Woodland Trust their aim is to plant a tree for every 50 of their
products sold. This was a chance for them to get some hands on experience and
their help was much appreciated.
After a slick
demonstration of the correct planting and staking technique from Paul we spread
out over the site - only another 699 trees still to go! The ‘Mountain Goat’ team
tackled the rough snow-clad slopes whilst the ‘Underwater Diving’ team risked
severe trench foot on the valley bottom.
By lunch time miraculously the site was already a mini forest of green plastic tubes.
Despite a reduction in
our numbers after the flapjack supply ran out, work continued into the
afternoon when we finally felt that the site was comprehensively planted and
the tidy up could begin. However Paul
had other ideas, having discovered a bare patch on the other side of the
stream. With a last spurt of energy the
remaining 6 filled in the gaps and stood back to admire a good day’s work. Hopefully
we will get a chance to come back in the future to see how our trees are
doing. Roll on next week!
Julia
No comments:
Post a Comment