Last saturday of the season. Meltham

The assembled throng is plied with strong drink

Last day of planting for this season, and we were once again high on the hill above Meltham. Planting Alder, Oak, Ash, and more Hawthorn and Blackthorn to supplement the shelter belt we planted here two weeks ago. It was a lovely morning, though the wind is a bit brisk up there. Brian brought  out the whiskey again at break time, and I understand it went well with the fruit cake. We had extra volunteers again this week, Army John, Richard, Roger, Dianne, Rob, and Wilf Proctor (one of the founder members of the society). Drinks were partaken in the Wills O' Nats afterwards. A very pleasant end to the season. Now we start planning for November!

Brian, Wilf and Dave

Brian's giant bare rooted alder!

Purely medicinal

Holme Bank Wood, and Well House

This morning we planted 100 Holly above Holme Bank Wood, overlooking Butterly Reservoir. It was a very steep and somewhat rocky slope, there was lots of moaning about rocks and no topsoil, but we got it done quite quick. We were quite high up, with a lovely view, but it was a bit unseasonally chilly. The cake was a very acceptable pecan and apricot fruit cake. Main photo shows Brian holding forth on some topic or other, and Dan listening raptly. Second photo is of Philip and Peter looking at the view, you can see our cars parked up on the hill in the background. After we'd had our tea and cake we stopped by at Well House on the way back, and planted 80-100 more trees and popped on a couple of hundred of the canes and spiral guards that Guy sourced.  A busy morning, we didn't finish til 1pm. 

Wills O' Nats

Today was another day of shelter belt planting organised by Brian, who also raised the funding for this. We were on Meltham Cop, behind the Wills O' Nats pub. The morning began with a presentation of flowers to Ann Norman, who bakes us a cake every week. Once that was done we trooped up to the top of the hill, where Brian demonstrated the correct way to plant trees; we did have quite a few extra helpers this morning, so it time well spent. We were planting a shelter belt of closely spaced Hawthorn and Blackthorn, 2 plants per metre, slightly staggered. The theory is that these will grow into a substantial hedge, and in time provide shelter which enables the farmer to leave his livestock out on the field for longer each year. This will reduce his costs for winter feed. 

Tidying up Green Owlers

For the sake of completeness I should mention that Sarah, Trevor and I went back to Green Owlers this morning and planted the remaining 30 Hawthorn, 30 Willow, and 20 Holly. We also went round the site putting the last few guards and stakes on trees which had been forgotten. It was a beautiful morning, and we listened to the Curlews on the moors while we worked. Brian had also been up there earlier this week tidying up. Finished! Trevor and Brian will be at Wholestone Moor this afternoon planting the last few there. Saturday, on to the next and last site at Will O' Nats!