Meal Hill, Slaithwaite

Another single morning site on the edge of Slaithwaite. A site like this, an unused corner of farmland, is beneficial to plant in two ways; it contributes to the gradual linking up of all the small areas of woodland in the Colne Valley, and the farmer gets a source of woodfuel for the future. The site was on Meal Hill, opposite side of the road from some new build housing, so we were careful not to plant anything likely to tower over them or ruin their view. Nearest the houses we planted Holly, and Guelder Rose, which is basically a shrub. Ash and the Hazel were the next nearest, and these will be coppiced so that they never grow too tall, meaning firewood, and an uninterrupted view for nearby householders. Along an existing tree and fence line of silver birch we added some Lime. And in the far corner of the field we planted Oak. Roughly 280 trees altogether. This morning's cake was a fine Apple sponge. 

White Hall Farm

A quickie today, a site done and dusted in half a morning. 120 trees planted, without stakes or guards in a well fenced field in front of a farmhouse. Quite an exposed site, so a windbreak of Larch and hardy Rowan, with some Oak and Hazel on the sheltered side. We got brought tea and coffee by the landowner, another plus, though Brian insisted on throwing a tot of whiskey into each cup. Cherry cake to accompany.

We finished there quite quickly and went off to remove some sheep from one of our old sites beside Marsden Golf course. We repaired a bit of wall where we think they got in. Photo is of Guy and Dave.

Then we retired to the Sair Inn to discuss our plans for the next few weeks.

I am giving up on my old Pentax Optio S30 camera. It really hates the cold weather, saying that the batteries are depleted no matter how fully charged they are. Shame, since its a handy little camera. I'll have to find some other junker off ebay, something that can stand a bit of mud and abuse.

Wholestone Moor. Week 2

No photos and no details this week, as I was off with flu. By all accounts it was cold and wet up there, but most of the trees got planted. There are maybe 30 left to do, and we will have to go back on a a day when they are not frozen solid!

Three unwise men. Wholestone Moor week 1

The day after boxing day, and a turnout of 5 not that surprising. Still, we worked hard and planted almost 200 trees. Pretty amazing giving we were all suffering from Christmas after effects. Site was quite wet, and there was a chill wind (though it has since got a helluva lot colder and the trees we left up there will be frozen solid). We mostly planted Alder, Birch and Hawthorn, because this hillside is spill from when the M62 was built, and the soil of poor shale-y quality. Cake was freshy made and especially brandy laden mince pies.