Mayfield Farm: 05-02-2019

Tuesday 5th of February may well have been the start of the Chinese New Year - 'The Year of the Pig'. However - in Wilsill it marked the end of 'The Fortnight of the Trees'. 

The NCVs returned to the farm to try to complete the task of planting the new 650 tree woodland. If you read last week's blog then you'll know that snow stopped play once 250 trees had been planted and all the posts had been knocked in. The following morning, when the snow had gone and the sun was shining, it was clear that we'd made a big impact in that half day:

However - don't be fooled. Some of those tubes at the back of the picture were empty. They had only been put into place ready for action. So - the rule was - if you can see the tree post on the outside of the tube then it's complete. If the tube is over the post, it isn't. 

Unfortunately the day did not dawn bright and sunny.

Still - at least it wasn't snowing again!

 However - as work got underway so the sky started 
to clear and everyone began to feel much warmer.

On the slopes of the glacial moraine diggers 
continued to battle with the stony earth.
These three large rocks came out of just one small hole.

The moles had obviously found an area away from the glacial deposits. 

"Three little maids from school are we,
Give us a spade and we'll plant a tree..."

Coffee in the sunshine...

...was supplemented with Audrey's flapjack and Alwin's chocolate buns.

This very particular oak was given special attention. It had had been planted as an acorn in a pot over 30 years ago, had then died in a heat wave 2 years ago and sprung back to life as a new shoot last summer. The stem you can see is just one year's growth.

The tree's new owner carefully inserted the root ball into the hole...

...and the tree's original owner did the honours with the spade.
(Her dad planted the acorn for her son when he was very small.)
Let's hope the tree now goes on to grow into a mighty oak.

After a bit more of this no fewer than 350 more trees were in the ground and it was lunchtime... 

...so it was back up hill to the house where Alwin had 
prepared a pheasant casserole fit for a king (or queen).

Everyone formed an orderly queue and the feeding of the five thousand began.

Once the casserole had been polished off out came the dessert - 
a mouthwatering apple crumble and custard.

Having first ascertained that no-one wanted thirds of custard 
Ros E. bit the bullet and offered to finish it off.

 Well - someone had to do it!

Alwin - we take off our collective hat to you. 
You are a wonder. You have made 15 NCVs VERY happy.

There was a tree planting frenzy as the last 50 went in.

Graham had the honour of planting the final one. Or so we thought.
Then three more saplings that had fallen out of the bag were found 
and took away his moment of glory. 

Finally, all that remained to be done was for the two lines of little white flags marking the central path to the removed. 

Excellent work gang - 650 trees planted in less than two days.

Now - let's just wash off the spades whilst 
Tony gets the trailer to carry all the gear.

"He'll be coming round the mountain when he comes..."

Post script:

Jan and Phil spent the day with Liz down at the barn sharpening tools, stopping only to come up to Mayfield Farm for their lunch (well you would wouldn't you?) After lunch three other NCVs were spirited away to join them and Liz sends her thanks below....

We didn’t just disappear to the pub (evidence below)! 
Tools sharpened and a massive effort from Stan & Angela who helped me tidy the trailer end of the barn so I can now freely move in and out. Will took over my saw setting and cleaning duties too - thanks all 
Liz 

Tool sharpeners happy in their work.