Humberstone Bank: 19-11-2019

The Call of the  

Tree Tubes 

Long awaited sequel by Jack London

It was to Humberstone Bank that the NCVs travelled this week to answer this call. During the last visit, about half the job of restoring tree tubes and their inhabitants was completed. Now it was time to see to the rest. No easy task given the nature of the ground where the trees are growing. Apart from the usual trip hazards underfoot, they had to deal with sub-zero temperatures, which had turned the earth into something akin to frozen tundra, and also had to make sure they kept well clear of four fox traps which had been set by the game keeper.

"How did they get on?" I hear you ask. Well - let's see shall we? 

The continuous lines of brash heaps were an indication 

that the site was originally a coniferous forest area.

In amongst the stumps of the felled trees the newly planted 
deciduous woodland did its best to remain upright, And often failed.

The loneliness of the long distance tree tube checker.

That's a bit better - let's hope it stays like that.

This one was flat on the ground - its trunk may now be vertical 
but its crown shall forever be bendy.

These two needed precision surgery, with a Stanley knife, 
to free them of their strangulating tubes.

Coffee and lunch breaks came as welcome relief 
from the constant battle to remain upright.

A small band of super sighted NCVs were sent to spot and mark out where 
the fox traps were. Can you spot this one?

Andy practised the Tango with this particular tree.
He is clearly 'Strictly' material.

Elsewhere Anita practised her double bass playing.
Not quite as tuneful as we would have liked.

Unfortunately not all the tree tubes contained a living tree.
Some contained dead ones and others were simply full of weeds.
Those that were defunct were collected up.

Cow Myers: 12-11-2019

IT'S BACK TO COW MYERS!

Well - here we were again, as happy as can be.
The NCVs were removing encroaching scrub and generally splashing and squelching around at the Cow Myers SSSI site this week. Lots of saplings to cut down and brash to turn into habitat piles - you know the routine. Let's have a look at how they got on.....

So many trees needed clearing!

OK - then let's get started.

That's one down. Only a thousand left to do!

Mind you - the more trees you cut down the more brash you generate.

Well that's OK. We'll just drag it away and put it to good use.

Ruth grew a very long tail as the morning wore on.

Very soon proto brash piles started popping up here and there, 
adding to those made on previous occasion.

So, quick as a flash, Andy snatched up a billhook 
and got busy making brash pile stakes.

These were used to keep the brash in nice shape.
Pack it in from each end ladies. Keep it nice and tight.

This pile was a MONSTER!!

Now then Osian - have you decided that 
two legs are just one too many?

This veteran coppiced hazel provided much welcomed shelter 

from the heavy rain at coffee time. Some sat around the front.

 Others sat around the back....

 ...and one youngster - well - he simply lounged at the side.

 

The hazel's branches offered places 

to hang up bags out of the mud, wet gloves to dry....

 ...and even cup holders.

After coffee this little chap was rescued from peril...

...this log pile gradually doubled in size.

 ...and by 2pm the NCVs had cleared enough saplings 
to be able to say 'enough's enough' without feeling guilty.
(Just scroll back to the top to remind yourself of the 'before' situation.)

The piles left in the place of the saplings will provide excellent 
habitats for all kinds of creatures and fungi 
and now the trees are out of the way 
the wild flowers will flourish in the extra light.

Hackfall Woods: 05-11-2019

Since the NCVs met last time an election has been called and the UK media has gone into political over-drive. It was with great relief, therefore, that the NCVs headed off to Hackfall Woods to escape the reach of all but the most persistent of satellite signals and just be at one with nature (even though it meant the usual hard work and general muddiness).

This week's blog is a little unusual as it is centred on the latest ode from our very own NCV Bard - Tony - who, as luck would have it, sent his latest 'pome' to the blog editor a few days before going to press. I hope you enjoy this poetic treasure, illustrated here and there by scenes from the day's task.....

Tony's email:

< Everything these days is gloom and doom - Brexit, the environment, upcoming elections, news from around the world. Why can’t we have something cheerful, positive and optimistic?

This is an attempt to make people feel better.

Tony

MARCH OF THE MASOCHISTS - To be sung to the tune of “Men of Harlech” 

Verse 1:

We’re the conservation army

Swivel-eyed and sadly barmy.

In a gale, or breeze that’s balmy

Out we go again.

Lots of tools....

... for lots of NCVs, who began the day with lots of 'unbirthday' cake from Paul.

Thanks Paul!

Verse 2:

Winter brings us frozen fingers,

Symptomatic flu that lingers,

Sodden clothes in need of wringers

From incessant rain.

Chorus:

Every bump and bruise day,

(Others call it Tuesday),

Tendons straining, backs complaining, and it’s bloody cold and often raining.

Off we go through ice and snow, pretending that our vital signs aren’t waning,

Thoughts of death are entertaining,

Running through the brain.

 

An improved channelling up near Mowbray Castle.

Sysiphus had to spend eternity pushing a boulder up a hill. 

Dave had it easy in comparison.

The forty foot falls were cleared.
Paul raced up the stream like a super hero.
Go Elastic Man, Go!

Dave does his teapot impersonation.

Obviously his way of saying 'Is it lunchtime now?'

Verse 3:

Summer brings us dehydration,

Insect bites and constipation;

And there’s never sanitation.

Squatting is a pain.

Steps were cleared to make them safer, 

encroaching holly and brambles were pruned back 

and culverts were cleared.

The interpretation board was cleared of algae...

... and seating areas were cleared of leaves.

(Of course the leaves continued falling as the workers walked away!)

Hackfall is always magical, but we were particularly lucky to 

glimpse two gnomes string on a log.

Verse 4:

Blackthorn bushes always find us.

Brambles, cleavers try to bind us,

Branches whip and try to blind us

Time and time again.

Chorus:

Swamps and bogs surround us,

Deep ravines confound us;

And disease from rampant fleas infects our every pore and every sphincter.

Wasps will sting us ointments bring us not a shred of help from balm or tincture.

Still, we’re almost glad to think we’re

Going out again! >

After all - anything's better than staying in 

and listening to the radio at the moment!!!!