Wholestone Moor week 2 - less sunny.

"Coconut Kiss", nicer than last Christmas's choc mint liqueur.

So, our second week at Wholestone Moor. We were: myself, Philip, Peter W, Peter T, Duncan (and Harvey the dog), Remy, Ben, Ramsay, Geoff, Dianne, Vashti, Cath, Steve, Stephen, and Andrew. Cake was Bakewell tart, which everyone loved, except Ramsay who prefers savory snacks, and Remy who won't eat cake that isn't chocolate.The cold was also kept at bay by Peter's liqueur laced coffee, Dave's coconut cocktail drink, and Andrew's bottle of whisky. I'd hate to give the wrong impression, tree planting does not usually involve so much alcohol, I blame Christmas. We planted another 300 Italian Alder and Sessile Oak, in areas where Birch had mysteriously failed. The weather could have been kinder, cool, and rainy. But we were all wrapped up well.

Vashti and Dianne put on brave faces.

First day at Wholestone Moor

Dave and Philip enjoying the winter sun.

Today a squad of us went to Wholestone Moor for a first day of "beating up" at that site. First planted 10 or 12 years ago the site has suffered from some mysterious Birch die back, and generally slow growth of all specimens. We are due to put in 1000 trees here over the next few weeks, using longer tubes to keep those pesky deer at bay. Today we began by planting 90 Italian Alder and 90 Oak. We were: myself, Hap, Steve, Stephen, Peter, Philip, Geoff, Cath, Neil, Julia, and Remy. Lovely winter sun, and not too cold.

Helping Netherton School

Parents, children, CVTS types and local MP, and Harvey the dog.

This morning Duncan had arranged to help Netherton school plant a hedge. He was assisted by Dianne, Dianne's Aunt Susan, Ben, Peter, Trevor and Brian. Lots of parents and children were in attendance, as was incumbent local MP Jason McCartney, and prospective local MP Binnie Joshi Barr.

To paraphrase John Milton, those who also served, myself and Steve counted out the necessary 200 canes and spirals at the Nursery at 9.00am.

Dear stalker...

Guy and I went on a site visit to Wholestone Moor, to develop a planting plan for the 1000 trees that are to be put there. While on site we saw a hare (lovely) and a deer (not so lovely, as there was plenty of evidence of it having been eating trees). Guy hopes to reconcile his Buddhist beliefs, vegetarianism, and squeamishness, with his desire to cull these tree-eating cervine scum.