A picnic thermos?
A 'To Go' cup?
A corporate jug? Scientific Glassware?
The NCVs were intrigued this week. They had been asked to plant trees at 'Flask House Farm' and were wondering what the farm house would look like. They'd heard of an old woman who had lived in a shoe, but a flask? What kind of a flask? It would have to be big for a family to live in. Would you be able to see out? Would you have to unscrew the lid to get in? At least it would be warm.
In the event the NCVs were just a little disappointed. It was a normal, albeit very nice, Yorkshire stone building. Nothing unusual, apart from its name. Which, apparently, was probably something to do with milk churns.....
"Never mind," said the NCVs - "let's get on and plant some trees shall we?" So plant they did. 400 of them. By 11am!! Now that must be a record.
It was clear, when 17 of us arrived at the first planting site, that a different strategy to normal was needed.
No use everyone
going to each of the 6 different sites together.
There just wouldn't be sufficient room!
Only 3 trees needed here -
specified at 5m apart.
Would they fit in?!
Yes - just!!
While Amy, Ros and Helena got on
with those everyone else dispersed
to different corners of different fields,
such as this one.
Ros was distracted by a couple of
veteran oaks that needed recording.
5 corners sorted, everyone then moved down to the area that landowner Lindsay referred to as "THE SWAMP." This was a place where everyone could fit in, although no-one liked the sound of it.
Dave handed out saplings.
David - has that tube sunk into the ground
or was it that size to start with?
Ros was in danger of losing a welly.
Helena spent some time stalking
a swamp snake.
She thought it might fry up nicely
for dinner.
The final 2 trees to go in were
micro whips - so tiddly they were double
planted in one tube.
Safety in numbers....
Right - time for a late coffee break
to end the task.
Luckily this bank provided
safety from the bog of eternal doom
and the swamp snakes.
Lord of the manor, Paul,
wasn't taking any chances.
He whipped out his dinky seat
to keep him safe.
Lindsay kindly provided a number
of tasty cakes which were
much appreciated.
Thanks Lindsay!!
Then all that remained to do
was a spade cleansing operation
in the nearby stream ...
...before loading up the trailer
and setting off back to the cars.
A small number of NCVs next called at the workshop to help Liz deal with the clear out that was needed. The glass inner door has been removed to allow a new trailer to be stored inside.
Before A
Before B
After A.
After B.
Stakes and tubes all collected
from behind the workshop,
ready to be used next week.
Then - a trip to the tip was in order!
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