Have you ever been asked the question "Does my bum look big in this outfit?" Well, today the NCVs were continually being put in a similar, awkward situation throughout the plantation at Harden Gill, north of Thruscross reservoir.
All around them trees were asking "Does my trunk look big in this tree guard?" More often than not the answer was easy - "No, not a all. It will last you for a number of years yet." On hearing this not all saplings were happy. They felt that they were fully fledged trees and were offended to be told otherwise.
Occasionally, we had to look a tree in the eye and give the honest opinion "Yes, I'm afraid so. That guard is simply too small for you now." For some this was a moment to be proud of. A move towards being part of a mighty canopy. For others, more concerned about their girth and getting older, it was a bad morning. Where had the days of being a whippy sapling gone?
Whenever it was felt that a tree had outgrown its tree guard the offending tube had to be removed by one of the 18 NCVs that were there to offer personal arboreal fashion advice.
Sorry madam - that tube is just going to have to go.
It's doing nothing for your appearance.
That's better - at least your trunk can dry out in the wind
(even if you do lack perpendicularity).
From time to time there was simply no tree to check - the tree tube was empty having lost its inmate some time ago. Once removed, the guards and wooden stakes then had to be collected up and moved to an ever increasing pile.
There - that should keep you going for a while longer.
Occasionally, we had to look a tree in the eye and give the honest opinion "Yes, I'm afraid so. That guard is simply too small for you now." For some this was a moment to be proud of. A move towards being part of a mighty canopy. For others, more concerned about their girth and getting older, it was a bad morning. Where had the days of being a whippy sapling gone?
The terrain made the task heavy going:
a steep, uneven slope covered in bilberry and dying bracken.
These NCVs thought that they could hide here until lunchtime.
No. Sorry folks. I can see you. Get on with the task.
Whenever it was felt that a tree had outgrown its tree guard the offending tube had to be removed by one of the 18 NCVs that were there to offer personal arboreal fashion advice.
It's doing nothing for your appearance.
(even if you do lack perpendicularity).
From time to time there was simply no tree to check - the tree tube was empty having lost its inmate some time ago. Once removed, the guards and wooden stakes then had to be collected up and moved to an ever increasing pile.
Some trees had been battling against the elements for a long time and had given up the struggle to remain upright. These had to be coaxed back to a more vertical position. Guards and posts were checked to ensure they were solid against any prevailing winds.
This view of the head of the gill
shows the toll taken by the wind.
stand up nice and straight like Maggie.
leaning trees' perspective and lay down in the bracken.
Terry would only allow NCVs inside if they paid him to be a member.
The sheep fold came in handy at lunchtime
when the wind started to blow and the temperature fell.
(Nick instigated a long discussion about the poo of various wild animals,deferring to James when unsure about such fine details as
differences in the smell of Pole cat and Pine Martin droppings.)
Unfortunately, by 1:30pm the weather took a turn for the worse and it was decided that the opposite side of the gill would have to wait for another day.
At 9:45am the views were great in the sunshine.
At close of play they were far less appealing!
Ros E.
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