Hackfall Woods: 15-02-2022

 

Long ago, back in August 2021, the NCVs made what seemed like a 2 mile pilgrimage to the Dropping at Hackfall Woods, to pull balsam and bash bracken in readiness for tree planting. This week they didn't have quite so far to walk, but it was a fair step never-the-less.

A while back a team of soldiers, wanting to do their bit for the environment, installed the 8 circular fences into which today's trees were to be planted. Thanks lads - the vols were extremely grateful that they didn't have to carry all the fencing down a very steep slope!! 

This is a trial area to see if planting can be done without the use of plastic tubes and posts. Once the trees have reached an appropriate size the plan is to remove the fences and move them across to different patches in order to protect more saplings from browsing deer.

So - this is what the NCVs did do.....

Tools were carried to where Liz had left the trees

Right - so who's going to carry the trees the rest of the way?

This elderly gentleman kindly offered to take some

 and was soon wishing he hadn't.

This young whipper-snapper hoisted a bag of 100 prickly 

dog rose onto her shoulder and strode ahead.

The path led to the top of the work area.

 It was a loooong, steep way down.

An easier route was suggested and everyone

 set off to the enclosures.

Here the 650 trees were shared out into 8 bundles 

and the 11 vols into 3 teams.

Each team went off to plant up an enclosure.

The next test was to gain access to the inner sanctum.

Ken and Dave didn't find it easy.

This team, however, broke the code in no time

 and were soon busy inserting saplings.

The fence of this enclosure was no

 barrier to the third group either.

The 'after' picture for a completed enclosure 

is not very impressive. It is very difficult to see 

the saplings. Bamboo canes are to be inserted next to

 each one to assist with future maintenance.

Hang on - what are these two up to?

Why are you eying up these poles Andy?

Ah - I see. Making some extra mini-enclosures 

for planting just a couple of trees in?

Oh - perhaps not. Liz just decided that Andy needed locking up.

See you next week!!

The first three enclosures were completed by coffee time

and the rest by lunchtime.

Good going everyone!

PS

Whilst all this was going on Jan and Phil were beavering away in the barn constructing nest boxes to be erected at various sites. Well done chaps - the birdies will be very pleased.