Lopping at Hackfall: 11-02-2014

With rain lashing the window and a forecast of snow and more rain to come, it took a superhuman effort to crawl from under the duvet to set out for Hackfall Woods and a day of vista clearing.  Amazingly, 10 volunteers and Paul were gathered in the car park and by the time the tools were handed out the rain had started to ease and spirits rose. We slithered in the mud down the hill, some on foot, some less fortunate on their backsides!

The NCVs gingerly pick their way down the hill to the woods, 
trying to keep upright on the wet surface.

Arriving at the site, we decided that some of the brash from previous clearances needed to be tidied up in order to make a safe pathway down into the steep little valley which was to be cleared of saplings. 

The scrub spoils the vista so it has to go.

Before lunch a fine brash pile emerged, artistically sculptured into an Armadillo, (or was it a trunkless elephant?), it was hard to decide.  Meanwhile the rest of the party spread out over the little valley like a herd of mountain goats lopping, sawing and piling up the brash as they went.

The NCVs work their way up Limehouse Hill lopping away.

As the scrub is cut down a nice new brash pile is made.

Ros K. keeps a beady eye on Julia to make sure the sticks 
are being cut to exactly the right size for the armadillo sculpture.

Anita and Angela were also on the brash pile A team. 

Hannah - we hope you are proud of us!

It's an awful long way down there!

The NCVs take a well earned lunch break.

By 2 pm the job was completed and we all gathered on Limehouse Hill viewpoint to admire the vista towards the river and spire of Masham Church, as it was intended to be when originally laid out in 1751.  Paul informed us that this view, along with others at Hackfall, appear on the Green Frog dinner  service  commissioned by Catherine the Great of Russia from Josiah Wedgewood in 1773.  Not only do you get a day of fresh air and exercise with the AONB volunteers, but also an education, and all for free!

 At last the vista is revealed

The hardest part of the day was the long slog back up the hill in the mud, dragging the tools - but by now the sky was blue and the sun was out and we could look back on another enjoyable and satisfying day.

Smile please - the job's done.

Julia