Dark days ahead
As the clocks all had to be turned back an hour on Sunday, during the second normed storm of the season within 2 days, the NCVs needed a bit of a lift to help see them through the dark days ahead. The promise of Halloween celebrations at the end of the week didn't quite cut the mustard for most of them, so they were wondering if Liz could offer anything to alleviate the thoughts about the forthcoming winter darkness.
Luckily she could. Her email promised a day of brightness for everyone to enjoy. One of fresh air, exercise, useful work and, of course, camaraderie and fun. The task? A visit to Millenium Green in order to do give the willow tunnels their annual weaving and haircut. A nice easy site to get to, with good views of the River Nidd. Even the weather played ball - at first......
Upon arrival it was clear what
needed doing. A good 10 foot of
regrowth off the main tunnel
for a start.
And the little 'bower' was
looking decidedly sad.
As for the Caterpillar -
well that was collapsing
and in need of removal.
Even the 'garden' needed
a good old tidy.
A large team started work
on the main tunnel. They
found it hard to know where to begin!
A second team focused on the
caterpillar which was never
going to change into a butterfly.
It wasn't just a case of cutting
it down to ground level.
Weed suppressant needed lifting...
...and willow roots needed digging out.
Then of course all the brash
needed collecting and piling.
Time for coffee!
It was at this point that the weather
started to let itself down.
Looking upwards to cut high
willow with rain falling
relentlessly was not ideal!
However - it was Liz's birthday
and her cakes ensured that
morale remained high.
Thanks Liz - and Happy Birthday!!!
Now - back to work.
At the main willow tunnel
progress was steady but far from easy.
The high stems were extremely difficult
to reach. A ladder and high level loppers
were needed.
The bower was turned into a hurdle
which looked much better, especially
when the sun shone for a few minutes.
The area was strimmed to get rid of brambles.
The team that were working in
the garden did an excellent job
of making it look loved.
By close of play even the main
tunnel was looking much better.
Well done NCVS!
When Liz got back to the barn
she had to light the wood stove
to try and dry everything out.
Poor Liz. What a birthday activity!!!!
The small team of ROW workers, who went out last Thursday, under Adam and Joe's supervision, also need a shout out. They were working along the footpath 'Tinkler's Lane', near Burnt Yates, clearing large quantities of encroaching vegetation.
Here they are - happy in their work.....
Unsatisfied fiddling around with
small twigs, Alistair looked behind
and saw there were bigger fish to fry.
"Hope I was meant to cut this down Joe....."
The answer was yes, but it then
led to another job for Friedy.
Eventually the path was clear
and the team could go home.
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