Day Ash Farm: 23-11-2021

Holly, holly holly. Out, out out. 

Yes - you've guessed it. The NCVS were on a holly removal job this week, halo coppicing other, mature deciduous trees in the woodland at Day Ash farm. This was a prickly job they started in June 2021 and it was nice to be able to return and get rid of more of the encroaching holly. The increased light and lack of competition for nutrients and water that results from such a job is a real benefit to the trees and underlying flora. 

So - was progress made? You judge for yourself.....

The day started well with excellent weather

 and a huge turn out of 19 vols!!

The team split into two groups, one working 

in the lower wood and one the higher.

Downhill they were faced with this overwhelmed oak.

But by the end of the day had set it free.

Just around the bend from this action was another 

area that needed dealing with.

But it wasn't an issue. The vols just got busy with their 

saws and loppers and suddenly the holly was gone.

Uphill the vols were faced with this.

Anything deciduous behind that?

Oh yes indeedy - silver birch, 

welcome to the sunshine!

Of course it wasn't all plain sailing.

The constant supply of cut brash had to be dealt with.

But, with a little bit of tweaking here and there...

...a very smart dead hedge started to 

emerge from the chaos.

There were, on a number of occasions,

very large branches to deal with.

But that was OK because the NCVs had all eaten 

3 Shredded Wheats* for breakfast. 

(*other cereals are available.)

They could practise their tug of war skills throughout the day.

Luckily Tarzan put in a guest appearance, which helped 

with the more awkward, high level stuff.

This birch resembled a climbing wall with its

 luxurious crop of birch polypore bracket fungus.

The holly had a surprise in store for the NCVs.

As you got rid of a bush you realised that, hidden below,

was a forest of skinny little holly stems, all regenerating.

Hmmm. OK. We'll get you lot next time.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their breaks in the sunshine.

Funny tales were exchanged and..

...some extremely tasty rich man's 

shortbread was consumed.

Thanks Andy!!

By the close of play everyone, quite rightly,

was feeling very pleased with themselves.