Tree Planting at Studfold Farm: 05-03-2013

(Editor's note - a special entry - our 30th! How quickly time flies by when you are having such fun.

The preparation for today's task was kindly carried out by Paul, Jan and Howard during the previous morning. They had inserted tree posts where they were needed - all labelled according to a strict code and site map - and placed tree tubes over each one in readiness.)

The day dawned grey and misty and headlights were all that could be seen over Blubberhouses Moor. The sun, looking like the moon, was clear and white in a dull misty sky. As we came through Greenhow and up the valley to Lofthouse, the sun broke through the clouds and it began to feel like spring. The warm sunny weather held all day as we planted a total of 500 trees on 3 sites. 100 Oak, 150 Downy Birch, 150 Hazel, 50 Rowan, 20 Alder and 10 each of Hawthorn, Crab Apple and  Bird Cherry.

The trees were bought by Harrogate Rotary Club and 4 members turned up to help us plant them, plus 13 NCV's as well as Howard, a Tree Warden, 6 NY Volunteers and their co-ordinator, Catherine. Marion and Ann Challis had organised this event (and a further 700 trees to be planted on Sunday). The trees are primarily being planted as a cover for shooting and 2 "shooters" turned up to help us plant.

The morning was exhausting, digging, carrying, climbing, hammering and walking up and down steep banks. 

The misty start, posts and tubes at the ready.....

.... and then the sun came out...

... meaning Paul could be spotted
whenever he took a photo!

Ros E leans on her spade hoping no-one
notices she's having a quick snooze.
Meanwhile Bob practises his yoga forward bends in the background.

Will decides to utilise a nearby
tree tube as a coffee cup holder.

Then lunch time arrived - Hooray!   Anita began networking, asking us all to collect plastic bottle tops for a recycling project. Ros K. lay down to day dream, while Ros E. thought Howie's leaking flask was the possible result of too much " plunging ".

A perfect lunch spot

Like flowers we all turned our faces to the
sun instead of the beautiful view behind.

After lunch we left the Blayshaw Crag site and planted up the campsite field, at last the ground was fairly level and planting was quickly done.

The last three stragglers are chivvied
down the hillside to the campsite by Paul in the Jeep.

Job's done!

The day itself was quite beautiful and peaceful with the sound of the river breaking over the rocks as it rushed ever downward on its way. It was an easy place to be lost in ones own thoughts, only to be disturbed by the distant sound of idle chatter and Spike, the border collie, rushing excitedly past. There was a strange silence to the land around us, the distant hills, the remains of the old smelting works, the strange feeling  viaduct, the eerie sounds of times and peoples long since past. Thank you, AONB, for booking such a lovely warm day for this, our 30th blog.

Hannah

Kettlesing Felliscliffe School re-visited: 25-02-2013

Before I tell you about today’s venture, I have to report that Paul and Jan have finally completed the tree planting at Fir Tree Farm, Grewelthorpe, a task that was started 2 weeks ago. 
(Editor's note - Well done to Jan and Paul - you deserve an extra piece of flapjack next time!)

Today ten volunteers arrived for a 10am start at Kettlesing school where there were 3 tasks to be completed, but first we just had to admire(!) our fence and walling handiwork from before Christmas, which has now bedded in and looks very much part of the landscape. The quagmire had dried out around the new gate and a cluster of brave daffodils were growing up in the gate entrance. Much as these would look very attractive in bloom here, they created task no.4 - move them to a safer place! Colin took care of this one.

Gate entrance plus Colin =  Moved daffs. 

Task 1: Five volunteers offered to put in the new hedgerow –the plants consisted of honeysuckle, field maple, guelder rose, holly, hawthorn, buckthorn, hazel and dog rose. These had to be planted in 2 “reasonably straight” rows, so we staked out canes and set to. Each plant had to be approximately a boot length apart, both along the row and from the other line of plants. Due to a few stones below the surface and the differing sizes of volunteers' boots, this did not always make for an accurate or harmonious result- Dave was a stickler for “ the line”, but Hannah was convinced that curves made suitable wind breaks for wildlife. We made compromises; the planting of the hedgerow, together with the cane supports and protective tubes was eventually completed to everybody’s liking!

The planting of the hedge - Dave keeps a beady eye on the straightness of the line.

Task 2: was to construct a stile in our new fence which would make access to the field much easier. I think Howie would have liked this to have been completed sooner- it was not an easy move to clamber over our fence in order to plant our hedge! Anita and Will took the stile on and achieved a great 2 step result with hand support.

Task 3: This was to stack the remaining stones that were removed from the wall when we put in the field gate. These had to be placed neatly and safely alongside the walls on either side of the gate. Although this sounds quick and easy some stones were extremely heavy and needed muscles (!) and teamwork to move them. A few stones were also pummelled down with a lump hammer where the daffodils were removed, so the entrance to the field is now “paved” with hardcore with a nice slope for easy access- a very professional look!

After lunch 14 children arrived with their class teacher to plant some Dog Rose and Hazel trees, (which the school had provided), in the far corner of their field. They also planted a few hedgerow plants alongside the new fencing. They all did this with great enthusiasm and are looking forward to seeing the growth of the new plants popping out of the top of the tubes- eventually!

Shortly after 2pm all was completed and we had an early finish for good behaviour!  Some of us got rid of any surplus energy by tossing a couple of tennis balls around that we found in the field. Sadly, the moles put paid to any accuracy in bowling balls at an improvised cricket bat (a spade)!!

Ros K

Kendall Bank Farm: 19-02-2013

Kendall Bank Farm is a smallholding situated in a secluded area of the Nidderdale AONB just outside Kirkby Malzeard .

Our task today was to plant 500 native trees, once again funded by Woodland Trust and Laver River Trust with advice from Marian Wilby.   Unlike last week the sun shone warmly on our backs as 9 NCVs, 3 North Yorkshire Countryside volunteers, and young Tom from the farm, set about adding to the 3000 trees already planted by friends and family of the owner, Mr Fountain.  

Paul was happily employed practising his new found skills of chainsawing, thinning some of the mature trees which were in danger of falling into the river due to the erosion of the river bank.

 A mixture of English Oak, Sessile Oak, Rowan, Holly, Hawthorn, Downy Birch and Silver Birch were planted on the steep bank and amongst the gorse, a rather prickly problem, but we are hardy souls and will not be beaten.  

Alder found a good home in a damp area of the field and a mixture of Wild Cherry, Oak, Holly and Alder and anything else that was left was planted in a patch across the lane.

  

This week’s treats included flasks of tea and coffee supplied by the land owners, delicious biscuits from Ros E’s mum and a special treat of an unexpected convenience – composting loos or Tree Bogs.  

Lunch in the warm sunshine

Spot the cunningly disguised compost loo!

These are cunningly disguised porta-loos without the chemicals, water, smell or paper, just straw, and are provided for the use of campers who hire the field.  The theory is that the waste is converted to biomass which feeds the surrounding trees, so we should expect to see some very healthy specimens in the not too distant future.

Just a short hedge to plant next week!

Anita

Fir Tree Farm, Grewelthorpe: 12-02-13

Tree planting was the task for the day, (and indeed for the next two weeks),  and fortunately the day was dry and wind free with a light dusting of snow though sun was in short supply.  Paul had delivered in advance saplings, post and tree guards to the site, in a stream-side setting below Fir Tree Farm. 

The selection of native trees and equipment were funded through the Woodland Trust and Laver River Trust, together with assistance from the AONB Farm Conservation Advisor, Marian Wilby. 

Rumour had it that we were to plant some 700 trees so it was good to see 15 hardy souls assembled at the farm. Paul plus 11 NCVs were joined by Howard, a tree warden, and three young men from Woodbuds, a small local firm supplying eco friendly earphones. In conjunction with the Woodland Trust their aim is to plant a tree for every 50 of their products sold. This was a chance for them to get some hands on experience and their help was much appreciated.

After a slick demonstration of the correct planting and staking technique from Paul we spread out over the site - only another 699 trees still to go! The ‘Mountain Goat’ team tackled the rough snow-clad slopes whilst the ‘Underwater Diving’ team risked severe trench foot on the valley bottom. 

By lunch time miraculously the site was already a mini forest of green plastic tubes. 

Despite a reduction in our numbers after the flapjack supply ran out, work continued into the afternoon when we finally felt that the site was comprehensively planted and the tidy up could begin.  However Paul had other ideas, having discovered a bare patch on the other side of the stream.  With a last spurt of energy the remaining 6 filled in the gaps and stood back to admire a good day’s work. Hopefully we will get a chance to come back in the future to see how our trees are doing.   Roll on next week!

Julia   

Kell Bank School: 5-02-13

(Editor’s note: In addition to the conservation work carried out this week, on Monday afternoon the NCVs were also invited to attend another training session with the community archaeologist, Kevin Cale.  Six NCVs (and many other members of the public) attended the session. As is always the case with Kev, it was a really interesting and informative afternoon and a good way to follow up his previous training session on historic maps (see blog entry for 11.12.12). This time he was explaining about how both oblique and vertical aerial photographs can be used to spot different archaeological features in the landscape. The last part of the afternoon was spent looking at table size photos of the Ripon area and putting our new found skills into practice. Thanks go to Sally Childes for organising this event.)

Due to snow falling during Monday night only two intrepid NCVs were able to turn out this week. We were returning to Kell Bank school, Healey (near Masham). This was a place where we spent a number of Tuesdays, about four years ago, making an allotment garden for the children.  Although it is not the time of year to see school gardens looking at their best, it was good to see that the allotment area was well maintained and now included a number of nice touches such as various signs on the raised beds, shed doors and compost area.

There were five different tasks to complete today - no mean feat for two NCVs, their minder and a member of the school's PTA. Whilst Tony and Paul set to work installing a water butt and pipe system to feed the school's new bog garden, I began putting wooden edging alongside the pathway in the allotment area. This retaining wall was needed to stop the soil spilling over and making the pathway muddy for the children to walk on. Once Gaynor joined us a little later on she was able to get started pruning a long hedge that was starting to obscure the view from the school's library.

The first two of these jobs went well in the main, although there was a certain amount of a 'make do and mend' approach before they were successfully completed. Apparently the water butt preferred to lean at an angle and needed a lot of persuasion to sit straight. Eventually the deployment of four flagstones, a bag of sand and a few blocks of stone ensured that it did as it was told and would not be a danger to a passing infant. Then they discovered that the holes at the top and bottom of the butt were the wrong size for the pipe fittings. Quick as a flash Tony took out his "handy, multi-functional, everybody should have one" tool to cut them to the correct size. Phew! Thanks to an earlier visit from Graham to drill a hole through the wall the butt could, at last, be joined to the underground pipe laid four years ago!

Water butt installation complete -
and to European safety standards

Meanwhile I erected the wooden retaining wall. This was not easy when I kept running out of the right kinds of wood and nails. Luckily there was a secret store of hidden treasure in one of the sheds - a few bits of wood that could, with a bit of ingenuity, be put to good use. Unfortunately there were no extra nails of the right length. The long ones kept sticking out at the back and had to be bent over to keep them safe and the short ones only just penetrated the wooden boarding and the pegs. I tried rescuing some bent ones only to have them bend on me again, a really annoying event! Once these wayward bits of metal were finally removed, with great difficulty, I gave in and used the shorter nails that we had in abundance. Quite how long the wood will remain in an upright position is anyone's guess. Perhaps it is just as well that there is no photographic record of this structure!

After lunch in the warm boiler room (what luxury when the wind is howling and the snow is swirling) ..........

.........we got on with the other two tasks, laying some flagstones along the edge of the bog garden and removing a large, unidentified bush from a flower bed so that the area could be used as a herb garden. Both of these jobs involved getting our wellies and spades very muddy indeed. 

Please note - the slabs are off-set by design - 

it is not due to poor slab laying skills of the NCVs!

Amazingly, by 1:45pm the tasks were all completed and we were able to start cleaning the mud off ourselves and the tools. Good job really because the snow had started to fall quite thickly by then and we needed to head for home in case the road to Nidderdale became impassable. 

Ros (E)

Coppicing at Kirkby Malzead: 29-01-13

(Editor's note - as a special treat this week's entry ends with a brilliant poem, penned by our resident NCV bard, Tony. It relates to one of the points of interest listed in the entry below so you will need to read the blog first in order to understand where the idea for the poem came from.)

Today's task involved coppicing a number of hazel trees and removing some holly bushes alongside a bridleway above Ringbeck Farm, Kirkby Malzeard. Unfortunately, as trees do, they keep growing and blocking off the view of the village from the bench that has been sited at the spot (see below), particularly for the purpose of keeping an eye on residents as they go about their daily business.

This was a joint venture - a band of 14 people with seven NCVs, two NYCC volunteers, two members of the Kirkby Malzeard parish council, our two volunteer wardens and a tree warden. I think there was also a partridge in a pear tree there somewhere (unless we had sawn its perch down!)

In spite of the shocking weather conditions yesterday, the day dawned reasonably bright and dry. We set to, armed to the teeth with loppers and saws and managed to get a couple of hours of work done before lunch. Then the rain started. We carried on regardless - as we usually do. (A little bit of rain never hurt anyone.) 

Angela made herself very popular with many trees in the area that were not being coppiced by removing their old tree guards - a job well overdue. Each one breathed a sigh of relief as she set to with her trusty Stanley knife. Paul managed to get in a lot of practice with his chain saw. Thank goodness he did that training course. The job would have taken much, much longer without that!

By 1:30 pm the task was finished. (Just as well really because the rain was becoming very persistent and heavy.) 
a) The view was restored: 

b) The brash was all neatly piled in four enormous brash piles. The local invertebrates were all moving in and deciding on soft furnishings even before we left: 

c) Dozens of old tree guards were stacked neatly at the bottom of the hillside.

Special points of interest to note:

• Chris S gave Chris G an on site tutorial about how to make a proper brash pile. She is willing to give tuition to anyone interested at a reasonable fee. 
• In spite of trying hard to do otherwise Will managed to avoid hitting anyone with a sawn off branch/tree on a number of occasions. 
• We found a really good example of Auricularia auricula-judae.  (What do you mean "what's that"? It's 'Jew's Ear' fungus of course - follow the link to read all about it.)

• The local hunt went past on the road below us whilst we were working. Two of them went galloping by us on the bridleway. Not sure if they had got lost or just knew a quicker way to get to the man blowing the horn - but they looked very smart in their red and black coats.

• A low point of the day for me occurred before we even arrived at the bench. The bridleway has an area I have now christened 'the Bog of Eternal Stench', half way up the hillside. My wellies disappeared up to the ankles and I gracefully keeled over onto my knees. Luckily Jan managed to grab me before I fell flat on my face in the mud. (Thanks Jan!)  So - lovely clay all over my trousers, even before a branch was lopped. Good job they are waterproof and could be hosed down at home. 

Ros E

And here is Tony's poem entitled - 'Brash' written in response to the line: "The local invertebrates were all moving in and deciding on soft furnishings even before we left.”

Brash 

At half past two they said “Enough, the coppicing is done.

The village now is visible, the work we’ve done was fun.”

They left behind an area now cleared of tools and trash,

But circling the perimeter they left four piles of brash.

The colonising inverts were the first upon the scene.

The coleoptera led the way, they’re always very keen.

On moving house, but then they found there wasn’t any trace

Of modern creature comforts, there was just unfurnished space.

The woodlouse didn’t stand a chance, the beetles got there first.

The millipedes as always were the ones to come off worst.

It’s never very easy when you’ve got so many feet

To decide which one comes after which, you just accept defeat.

At dawn next day the Beetle Ma rushed off to catch the bus,

To beat the other inverts to Soft Furnishings ‘R’ Us.

She knew the store was selling off its surplus winter stock

And she knew that bedding came before the purchase of a frock.

While back at home the Beetle Pa was stocking up with grub

And hoping for the chance to meet some mates down at the pub.

He needed sympathy and help to counteract his fear

For he knew next day his Beetle Ma would drag him to IKEA!

Tony

Kettlesing School bird feeder event: 22-01-13

A double act for the entry this week. Parts written by Ros E in blue; parts written by Linda (of the Nidderdale Birdwatchers) in black.

Due to heavy snow, the footpath work planned for this week, down by the Millenium Bridge at Pateley, had to be cancelled. However - that did not mean that things did not get done! Let Linda explain........

In a continuation of the joint project by members of Nidderdale Birdwatchers (Linda) and the NCVs (Tony and Ros E), this week the younger pupils of Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School were involved in identifying some of the common birds visiting gardens in winter and making simple bird feeders.

Class 2 had a presentation, including looking at a selection of commercial feeders which the school are going to use in the grounds. This was followed by some small group practical work to make apple, pine cone, half orange skin and cardboard drink feeders. After some discussion about where to site their feeders, they then really enjoyed going out in the deep snow to find suitable places to hang them.  During this time a shrew decided to run across the snow and was deftly caught by Tony so that all the children could have a good look at it. The children have agreed to identify, count and record the birds visiting the feeders.

After morning break Class 1 children had a short presentation emphasising the importance of feeding birds in winter. They too then worked in small groups to make simple feeders - honey stick, toast bird and apple. They really enjoyed getting to grips with the honey, peanut butter and seeds.

(Note to self from Ros re the honey stick feeders – think sticky – think VERY sticky. In spite of Bill Oddie’s method being listed as an easy option it is perhaps not one to attempt again with six children at the same time. More honey on the table, on the hands, on the aprons and  in the hair than on the sticks. And seeds. Everywhere. My recovery from the experience is likely to be slow.)

Everyone involved enjoyed the morning; it is always nice to try and encourage the next generation to think about birds and wildlife. 

(Some thanks from Ros for work done over the last two weeks –

• To Tony for the superb photos that we were able to use to good effect in our presentations over the last two weeks (move over David Bailey!); for  organising all the tools and nest box kits used last week and for acting as driver in snowy conditions.
• To Jan for cutting up all the nest box kits.
• To Angus (from the NBs) for helping out with nest box making last week.
• To Linda (from the NBs) for working with me to prepare and deliver the presentations and helping out with the group work this week (she had the peanut butter group - almost as sticky as the honey!)
• To Anita for the offer of a helping hand (and for the supply of pine cones and apples). What a shame the snow prevented her from joining us - although in view of the honey perhaps she was wise to stay away.)

Linda and Ros E

Pateley Bridge (and Kettlesing school): 15-1-2013

At Pateley Bridge:

This week's task was a joint venture with the NYCC Area Ranger, Catherine Smith, and a couple of the NYCC volunteers, Chris and Roger, to repair a muddy section of the Nidderdale Way path that runs along the river edge at Pateley Bridge from the Millenium bridge area to the Sidings housing estate.
 
The forecast for the day was cold and icy so only 3 AONB volunteers braved the elements to begin the task at 9:45am, Colin, Anita and Ros K, but they were quickly joined by Julia and Dave, our newest recruits, from Harrogate. The first thing we had to do was to dig 2 parallel shallow trenches to put the wooden boards into along the path sides. These would ensure that the new hardcore surface was contained and didn't spill over the borders of the path.

 It took a little while to get a system going but shortly Chris and Roger were able to barrow the hardcore down and spread it evenly using the "wacker plate"- a motorised devise to assist this process."Boys and their toys" came to mind!! 

The other volunteers dug the roots out of the trenches and put in the boards and supporting stakes, also "landscaping" the back of the boards with turf infill, delicate and artistic women's work. By the time lunch break was suggested the path was looking good and the sun was out; the warmth was lovely and we took full advantage of our pretty riverside surroundings.

Tony and Ros E joined us after lunch, having been to Kettlesing school to make bird boxes,with Jan, in the morning. They took on the task of sawing points on some post ends - a little like sharpening pencils - whilst others continued with moving barrow-loads of hardcore. Chris and Roger had to leave at 2:30pm so Anita and Ros K willingly had a lesson from Catherine on how to use the wacker plate- and discovered it had a bit of a mind of its own!

 Work finished about 3pm and tools were finally downed and collected up. Several passers by had commented on the path improvements, and indeed it did look so much better.Always good to know the fruits of our labours are appreciated! Both groups of volunteers are to return next week to complete the remaining section of the path. An enjoyable day was had by all.

Ros (K)

Meanwhile - during the morning at Kettlesing school  .......

In a joint project by members of Nidderdale Birdwatchers and Nidderdale Conservation Volunteers the older pupils of Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School were introduced to the art of making nest boxes.

A presentation prepared by Linda and Ros (E) kicked off the morning event designed to involve children in the decision making process of why boxes are needed, what makes a good box and which birds might use them. Four groups of pupils then made two boxes each showing a very skilled use of both hand and power tools.

After this the children worked outside with the aid of compasses and garden plans to decide where boxes should be sited. By this time the morning was almost over so Ros took the children back indoors for instructions on recording box usage whilst Jan, who had cut all the wood for the boxes in advance, Angus and Tony attached the boxes to trees. Everyone involved – pupils, teachers and volunteers, enjoyed the work.

Tony

Strawberry Hill and Timble Ings: 08-01-2013

First job - Strawberry Hill

The New Year began with nine volunteers and Paul turning up at The Barn at Bewerley eager to be back in the swing of things and ready for a post-Christmas work out.

With a spring in our step we headed for Strawberry Hill to spend the morning bent double pulling up the dreaded thistles which, if left, would soon crowd out the precious wild flowers.  I’m led to believe that this job is actually easier in winter than in the summer months – less prickles to penetrate your gloves and hands. 

 

It was noted that a couple of bird watchers disappeared into the hedgerow, binoculars at the ready, and, having spotted green finches, blue-tits, long-tailed tits and a number of siskin, finally returned to work!  After an hour or so and at least four barrow loads of thistles  we decided enough was enough and returned to the barn for an early lunch around the fire and time to catch up on all the news.

And then  - off to Timble Ings – a late start due to a shooting party in the woods.

Chris, Angela and Colin had to leave after lunch, but we were joined by Will, Clive, Dave and Hannah at the ponds at Timble Ings.  This is a site we have worked at on many occasions in the past clearing birch and alder saplings and brambles (more thorns and arched backs) from around the perimeter of the pond. 

David Alred from The Wharfedale Naturalists Society came along to explain that this is one of three important sites in the area for dragonflies and damselflies, the others being at Otley Wetlands Nature Reserve and Low Dam. David spends many hours perched on a tree stump overlooking the water ready to record the many visiting dragonflies including – Southern Hawker, Common Hawker, Four Spotted Chaser and Broad-bodied Chaser which can be seen earlier in the year to the Common Darter and Black Darter which tend to appear in late summer.  He has also seen Large Red, Emerald, Common Blue and Azure damselflies.

He is keen for us to keep the banks of the stream clear of shrubs and trees as he has spotted Golden-ringed dragonflies near the ruin of The Besom Inn.  David explained how the males fly down the stream looking out for females who are waiting to mate. She then lays her eggs in the silt at the bottom of the stream where the larvae remain camouflaged from 4 to 6 years until they reach maturity.

With backs aching and the light fading we made our weary way back through the woods and home for a well-earned mug of tea and a soak in the bath.

Anita