After a week off for half term the NCVs were back at work on a day roughly half way between seasonal celebrations, making their monthly pilgrimage to Hackfall Woods.
They were carrying out the normal round of any autumnal duties that they came across as they toured the wood. They were on the lookout for any little thing that needed dealing with.
Hopefully they would find nothing at all to do. Let's see if this was the case...
The day got off to a good start with
wonderful weather and views - but...
...Anita and Ros K arrived with a flat tyre.
Not a good start.
But never fear - help was here - in the form of a bunch of
vols willing to lend a hand.
And there you have it.
Spare tyre neatly in place.
Thanks maties!
Oh no - where have all the sand beds gone?
The river was in full spate after all the recent rain so....
...the cascades were also going great guns.
This created a real challenge for the
team tasked with clearing out the debris.
Oh heck - high winds had created this mess.
Luckily the NCVs are not faint hearted and
the fallen branches were soon shifted.
Dearie me! Just look at thee state of the drains.
They were FULL of eaves and wet mud.
"Mud, schmud. Just let me at it."
This culvert was cleared but the living tree root in the
middle remains as a squirrel bridge.
Ros K. deployed the most highly sophisticated technology
at her disposal to clear this drain - a bent stick.
This one definitely needed more than a proddle with a twig.
Some serious spade work was required.
This one too.So much mud. So much water.
Oh flip - sets of steps covered in slippery leaves.
Don't worry - we'll soon clear them.
Lord and Lady Hackfall sat down to lunch in
their rather splendid dining room....
...while their serfs had to make do
with these logs to perch on.
What's caught this trio's attention?
Ah! Of course. It just wouldn't be a trip to Hackfall
without trying to make the fountain spout. Lovely.
So - in spite of all the trials and tribulations throughout the day the NCVs came out on top. Is it possible that this little fairy, spotted in a hollow under Alum Springs, worked some magic and helped them achieve so much?
By the way - look out for this smart new bench as you walk around the woods. Custom made to replace the rotten one by our very own Paul. Well done that man!
And also - although the NCVs were given a week off last week, two conscientious chaps, Phil and Jan, spent the day working in the NCV barn sharpening the tools ready for next week's activity. Thanks lads!
No comments:
Post a Comment