With the start of October came a change of task. Instead of scythes and rakes, the NCVs required saws and loppers. The reason?
Holly removal!
Yes - it was the start of the prickly season. A time when it is safe to move back into woodlands to halo coppice around mature trees, taking out the invading holly and letting in the light to the woodland floor. This week it was the turn of Low Wood Farm, near Brimham Rocks. Last time the NCVs had worked here they were taking out the holly that was preventing the walling group reaching the woodland wall in order to repair it. Now the wallers had finished their job the focus was on the woodland beyond the wall. A single glance told us that this was not going to be a single visit task! Let's see what went on....
There were vast swathes of holly
in every direction.
Will got busy with his saw.
That's it - nearly finished!!
The dark, wet conditions didn't help
with the photos.
They all had to be lightened up
by 100% twice!!
Julia's coat shone through the gloom.
A woodland management plan
allowed Liz to take out stems
bigger than a baked bean can
with the chainsaw.
Paul managed to fell large
stems with his bowsaw.
Pretty soon there were large
brash heaps awaiting chipping,
and sturdy log piles,
appearing all over the place.
This tree had somehow managed
to grow itself a handle...
...which made it much easier
to transport to a log pile!!
Breaktimes were decidedly soggy affairs...
...but made very much better by
delicious banana loaf and
lemon drizzle cake.
Thanks Sally - much appreciated!!
Nobody tried adding any of the fungal
fruiting bodies that were growing
around the place.
Gradually, large areas of woodland
floor started to appear.
Everyone was exhausted by 1:30
but felt pleased with progress made.
Next week - more of the same!!
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