You've guessed it - more tree planting at Longside farm: 07-04-2015

Before any planting could be done this week three of us had to un-plant the hundreds of trees that had been heeled into the tree nursery as a temporary measure at the end of last Tuesday. The poor things don't know whether they are coming or going - especially the ones that had to be re-heeled into the ground after this week's session! Phil takes up the story.....

This Tuesday could not have been more different from last. Instead of high winds and lashing rain storms we had a lovely spring day. The sun was out, the birds were singing, it was warm in the morning with an even breeze and by afternoon almost hot. The views up and down Nidderdale were stunning and it was hard to remember it was the same place.

At Longside once more 11 NCVs and Paul took on the task of planting the hillside with trees.  We made good progress and by the time we finished much more of the hillside was covered than when we began. The trees are a mix of varieties, mostly deciduous. They have been heeled in and out a few times and those we planted will benefit when the fine weather breaks and the rain returns.

Some areas were simply impossible to plant....

...but some areas of open ground could be found.

Two NCVs took a coffee break and had a chat...

....whilst these two soldiered on.

Sally gazed out over the view, wishing 

she was planting trees in the valley bottom.

At lunchtime Jan gave his feet an airing.....

....and Osian made himself at home in the warm sunshine.

Everyone was glad to take a rest.

In some places there is not a great depth of soil and last week's winds found a few weak spots. A task once all are planted will be to straighten those that are no longer as vertical as when they went in.

Of the 1600 trees supplied there are just 250 or so left which should provide another good day's work next week.

Phil