Tree Planting at Bivouac: 18-02-2014

The previous day some of us had helped Paul prepare the site for today’s effort. 223 trees saplings had to be planted as well as 20 mature trees, which had grown up to a height of 3.5 metres. The trees were supplied by Thorpe Trees (Ouseburn) and were funded by the Friends of the AONB, Harrogate Rotary club and Swinton Estate.17 aonb volunteers and 2 mums with very young children joined the tree planting effort.

The tree tubes start to sprout up.

Ron and Sally stand back to admire their carefully planted tree.

 

The budding NCVs learn the tricks of the tree planting trade.

Colin takes his tree partner for a whirl around the dance field.

A trio of tree planters using as much wood to 

protect the tree as is in the tree itself!

I do not think any of us had planted mature trees before – part of the problem was the weight of the root ball, perhaps up to 40 kg.

Whoa! We're used to planting little slips 
and tiny saplings. These look too heavy for us!

(Editor's note to Paul - please refer back to the photography training day to ensure future shots are free of shadows!)

However, once we had figured out a technique the trees were planted much quicker than anticipated.

 

With one mighty bound the heavy tree was sorted, 

thanks to the super strong Jan and Graham,

The weather was pleasant with views to Teeside. The day previous was wet, windy and cold. The centre provided us with coffee and a place to recover from our efforts. The job is not finished though – there is still a hedge to be planted.

A misty start gave way to blue sky and sunshine.

The instructions were prepared by the company who provided the trees. A mix of Latin names, occasionally with an English name in brackets, described them. Reading the map made you wonder whether the company had visited the site. Anyway, Paul sorted it all out and the job was done!

A happy band of NCVs at the end of a useful day.

There had even been time for some natural art work........

Jan