The Colne Valley Tree Society

Green Hill Clough and Marsden Golf course

2012-01-28T05:51:00.000-08:00

A bit of a mixed bag this morning. Myself, Diane and Ann went to Marsden Golf course and planted 35 Oak and 15 Rowan. Philip, Neil, Damian, Geoff, Stephen, Julia, Andrew and Duncan went to Green Hill Clough.

Coconut cake at Scammonden

2012-01-21T07:51:00.001-08:00

Stephen, Neil, Cath, and Me - and Duncan's leg.

Very windy but dry morning at Scammonden. To my reckoning we planted 40 Birch, 150 Oak, 15 Rowan, 30 Holly and 60 Bird Cherry, so getting on for 300 total. We left 60 Bird Cherry and 30 Birch healed in for another day. We also have 130 stakes and 360 guards on site. And we have 60 Oak, 60 Ash and 60 Lime in storage ready for Colne Valley Lions on Saturday 3rd March.

We were: Dave, Neil, Philip, myself, Cath, Geoff, Stephen, Ben, Andrew, Duncan, Trevor, Peter and Brian.

Cake was the every popular Crunchy topped coconut and cherry cake. Photo's by Geoff, who's camera phone seems to be better than mine.

Back to the Sair afterwards, where we were almost put off our beer by an incontinent dog.

Dave, in his famous hat.

2012-01-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

Proper frosty bright and sunny today. Good weather for a morning out, and plenty of folk turned out. We were: myself, Philip, Duncan, Stephen, Peter, Neil, Damian, Rowan, Cath, Pierre-Alexandre, Claudine, Edouard, Maxime, Brian, John, Trevor, Peter, Diane and Ben. Cake was a delicious chocolate sponge. We planted 90 Oak, 135 Ash and 45 Rowan. We left 30 Bird Cherry healed in on site, with approx 40 stakes next to them . There are approx 45 trees left healed in at the bottom of Baker Lane.Sundry stakes and guards scattered around the site. Will upload photos later.

We were saddened to hear of the death of Granville Shaw this week. Granville had been a dedicated member of the Society for many years and he is remembered fondly. We took a moment mid morning to think of him, and a (non-alcoholic) toast.

New faces at Scammonden

2012-01-07T02:07:00.000-08:00

Rowan, Cath, Ann and Damian, hard at work.

Today we planted another 270 trees at Scammonden, 85 Rowan, 90 Oak and 95 Birch. We were: myself, Ann, Cath, Philip, Dave, Ben, Brian, Peter, Trevor - plus two new faces, Damian, and Rowan. Guy and Mandy were also there, but working on a different bit of the site. Cake was home made scones with home made strawberry jam. It didn't rain, though it was a bit misty at times. Afterwards, to the Sair, where they have a very nice Porter on at the moment.

Ann in her finest army surplus gear, and some trees.

Happy new year! - from Burnt Plats

2011-12-31T06:13:00.000-08:00

Hard to tell in the gloom, but I think that is me, Andrew, Philip, Ann and Brian.

This was the second week at Burnt Plats, the Senior Section came here while we were at Butterley two weeks ago. Then they planted around 100 Hawthorn. Today we added another 120 or so trees, most Blackthorn, some Hawthorn. It was a grey and wet morning, Ben's atmospheric photo actually makes it look nicer than it felt. We were, myself, Ann, Ben, Diane, Brian, Peter, Trevor, Philip, Andrew and Neil. Cake was Apricot sponge. Our thanks to Terry, our hostess, who invited us to this field, provided the trees, and made a generous donation.

Happy Holidays from the Colne Valley Tree Society

2011-12-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

Assembled motley crew, scoffing sausage rolls and whisky. Some previous planting in foreground.

It may have been Christmas eve, but it was still a Saturday morning, so out we went into the wind and rain. It did clear up though and we had a lovely morning planting 300+ trees at Neil and Sarah's field in Marsden. We were: myself, Ann, Philip, Ali, Andrew, Ben, Geoff, Dave, Neil, Julia and Stephen, plus our hosts Neil and Sarah, plus a very special guest French Canadian contingent, Eduard and Maxime plus their mum and Dad. We had Whisky, veggie sausage rolls and flapjack at break time. And then some beer in the Riverhead afterwards. And all made it home in time to fulfil our other Christmas eve responsibilities. Result.

See, it did brighten up a bit. Marsden in background.

To the land of ice and snow - Butterley

2011-12-17T00:09:00.000-08:00

Myself, Cath, Stephen and Heidi having cake.

This morning we were above Butterley Reservoir, planting 200 trees given to us by the Woodland Trust, and using stakes and guards bought with a donation from the Cuckoo's Nest shop in Marsden. We were: myself, Andrew, Stephen, Cath, Heidi, Dave and Geoff. It started out quite nice, but then snow hail and sleet set in. Towards the end the sun came out again. We got almost all the trees planted though, and I'll pop back and finish the last few one Sunday morning. Nice fruit cake at break. The planting at Butterley is a long term project, which started with Hemplow Wood over 10 years ago. Each year we go back and add a little bit more to Butterley clough - though the biggest challenge there is the long and steep walk from the nearest road. The National Trust use helicopters for that sort of thing you know, jessies.Cath putting a brave face on. Behind the wall you can see previous years planting.

Scammonden encore une fois

2011-12-10T06:57:00.000-08:00

Once again to Scammonden, and this morning we planted 45 Lime, 30 Birch, 105 Oak, 15 Ash, and 105 Rowan. Grant total 300 trees, I think.

Yes, one might say that we were involved in a Baudrilliardian simulacrum of the manual labour that our recent relatives would have considered unpleasant toil - but a morning spent working in the hail and sleet of a frosty morning on a bare hillside, followed by a pint or three of beer in a pub with a roaring fire felt quite real to me, and actually pretty damn good. It beat wandering around (not very) diverse modern retail outlets doing Christmas shopping anyway. And the juke box selection in the Sair was good too, Lou Reed, The Who, Fern Kinney.

We were: myself, Ann, Philip, Ramsay, Brian, Peter, Trevor, Philip, Geoff, Ben, Andrew and Dave.

Cake was chocolate, with, apparently, a quarter pint of whisky in it.

We will take a break from Scammonden now for a couple of weeks. Next week will be Butterley and Burt Platts (for the Senior Section), Christmas Eve, Marsden.

30 Birch to be returned to Scammonden at some point. Lots of stakes and guards left on site.

Even Wintery-er at Butterley

2011-12-04T02:17:00.000-08:00

Made several solo trips up to Butterley Clough to check out where to plant this season. Took some stakes up, and retrieved some left over from last year. So there are already 150 deer stakes and 150 deer guards on site, plus 50 rabbit guards and stakes. Of last years planting the Sitka Spruce and Rowan are doing well. Oak seemingly less so. This years planting mix will be a mixture of Rowan, Oak, Birch, Hawthorn and Blackthorn, a standard mix supplied to us by the Woodland Trust. We are planning to do this work on the morning of 17th December.

Older planting is doing ok. Sitka Spruce and Scots Pine grow well. Birch grow well, but then suffer from die back. Rowan grow well. Oak grow, but slowly. Hawthorn grow, but even more slowly. Older planting using only rabbit guards has been a bit hit or miss, given sheep incursion and grazing.

And it rained or hailed every time I went up. Photo is from my second trip .

Getting a bit more wintery up at Scammonden

2011-12-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

Philip and Ramsay hard at work.

Quite a damp and chilly morning up at Scammonden. But we did plant 170 Ash, 15 Lime and 55 Hawthorn. With universally acclaimed home made Eccles cakes at break. We were: myself, Ann, Philip, Geoff, Andrew, Ben, Cath, Stephen , Dave, Ramsay, Brian and Trevor.

Scammonden - a day of three teams

2011-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Very nice photo of Julia and Neil, courtesy of Geoff

Today we were at Scammonden again. We ended up working as three teams. There was the Senior section, comprising myself, Brian, Peter, Trevor and Diane - we planted Crab Apple and Hawthorn below the path. Duncan and the Outlane Scouts, who planted Crab Apple above the path. And the Young 'uns, Geoff, Andrew, Stephen, Cath, Ben, Julia and Neil, who planted Ash and Lime on the hillside. In all I think we planted 95 Hawthorn, 30 Crab Apple, 90 Lime and 65 Ash. A grand total of 280, which was pretty good going considering we were missing Philip (self-inflicted ailment), Guy (feeling non-specifically wan) and Dave, who worked at the Nursery.

The Senior section at work, Duncan and Outlane Scouts further up the hill.

Helping Honley High School

2011-11-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

Today I went to Magdale Fields, Honley, to act as "technical assistance" for a group of Honley High School students and their teachers, who had received a pack of trees from the Woodland Trust. We planted 20 trees on the edge of an open grassy area, under the supervision of a representative of the Honley Village Community Trust.

We were on BBC Look North

2011-11-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

Last night we were the subject of a report on Look North. They filmed it a couple of weeks ago, when we went out on a Monday and planted 120 trees at Scammonden. We don't normally plant on weekdays, but this was to suit Look North. Myself and Guy were interviewed, and the report was generally good, though it might have been nice if they had mentioned the CVTS by name.

Scammonden Week 1

2011-11-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

Making our way back to the cars afterwards.

First real day of planting at Scammonden reservoir for this season. We were: myself, Philip, Ben, Andrew, Stephen, Dave, Geoff, Cath, Peter, Ramsay, Brian, Trevor, and Peter. We were also joined by Duncan and Outlane Scouts. Guy was planting on another part of the hillside with Longwood Scouts. We planted about 300 trees, Sessile Oak, Rowan, and 60 Birch, which wasn't bad going for a first day on site, with all the associated moving gear around and getting the planting plant straight. Cake was jam sponge.

Tea and cake time.

Scape School and the Woodshed

2011-11-05T01:10:00.000-07:00

Ramsay, Brian, unknown, and Trevor (Trevor looks offside to me)

A day of two halves. Philip, Brian, Duncan, Ramsay and Trevor went to Scape School thinning some old planting. This was done at the request of Scapegoat Hill Junior and Infant School, where we had helped them plant a shelter belt of trees about 10 years ago.

Myself, Dave, Andrew and Ben put the roof on the new timber drying shed. Fruit cake was divvied up before setting off, so everyone got some. Oh, and I put another 128 Common Alder in root trainer trays, for planting in 2 years time?

Ben and Andrew, Dave behind shed working.

A grand design

2011-10-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Just like something off of Channel 4, Dave's grand design for a timber drying shed has come to (almost fruition). With the help of Philip, Andrew, Dan, Ben, Stephen and a local joiner they got the bulk of the structure done this Saturday.

Throstle Green Farm, again.

2011-10-15T07:08:00.001-07:00

Once more up to Throstle Green Farm. Took down the last of the Alder obscuring the householders view. Made a nice pile of firewood to collect later. Myself, Ben, Philip and Andrew worked quite hard, but not too hard. Delicious date slice for break. We were all very taken with our new Brush hook tool, and took turns to use it, carefully.

Growing trees from seed

2011-10-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

Today put 288 more Rowan into some root trainer trays we had lying around. At a grand cost of £6.98 for the compost. That works out at 2.5p per tree. Compared to buying them for 39p. Should be ready to plant in Winter 2013/14.

We also have 144 Rowan that were planted last year, and will be ready for 2012/13.

Chainsaws a go go!

2011-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Back to Throstle Green farm this week, and at one stage we had three chainsaws on the go. Proper forestry sorts us. Present were Ben, Dan, Philip, Geoff, Dave, me, Guy, Mandy, and for the second half, Andy. It was outrageously hot, too hot for this kind of work really. And Co-op doughnuts in place of home made cake. But we can't complain. Not after some refreshing shandys in the pub afterwards.

Throstle Green Farm

2011-09-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

Before all the work, a view of Dave.

After all the work, a view of Slaithwaite viaduct.

More work at Throstle Green Farm this week, though we had Philip and his chainsaw to speed things along. Otherwise we were myself, Ben, Dan, Dave, Neil, Stephen, Guy and Mandy. We worked hard all morning cutting down Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Willow and Hazel which had begun to obscure the landowners view. And we got a bit of firewood out of it too. Cake was Apple Turnovers. Very nice. Back to the Sair afterwards for beer, though we are still waiting for them to start brewing their own again.

Throstle Green Farm

2011-09-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Formatively pruned, creating a lovely promenade through the Ash and Oak trees.

A good green gym workout this morning, with an hours formative pruning and then another hour cutting back some blackthorn and hazel.

The site was planted around 10 years ago and the owner has asked us to cut back some of the trees planted in front of the houses - to preserve the view of the valley. It will take a couple of days in October with chainsaws to do it properly, but myself, Ann, Ben and Dave made a tentative start with some handsaws. For the trees at the sides of the houses some serious pruning was needed. Homemade oat biscuits at break.

Ben hard at work destroying Blackthorn.

Summer survey walk

2011-08-20T09:15:00.001-07:00

Today's mission was to boldly go where we had gone before, and take a look to see what difference we had made. We took a walking tour of sites planted in the last few years up the western end of the Colne Valley. Myself, Dan, Ben, Geoff, Neil, Julia and Heidi - and we were joined latterly by Dave and Guy. Cake was a lovely blackcurrant jam slice. And we ended at the Riverhead Pub in Marsden.

First stop was Glen View, Marsden, where we peered over the wall to admire 2 years growth of the 1000 odd trees planted in those fields.

Second stop was Huck Hill, Standedge. Planting took place across several winters here, and the early stuff overlooking the Tunnel End is doing well. Stuff further back and higher up is growing more slowly, but growing.

Then further west to the area around Green Owlers. Spanswicks field is doing rather better than we expected, with strong growth down the damp bottom, slower growth on the dryer upward slopes.

On up round the path to what was Andrassi's, which again is growing well. We had feared goats or pigs had been put in there.

Last, and sadly least, we walked down through Green Owlers Clough. The top end is looking quite good, but there have been lots of Birch die off lower down, and it looks a bit threadbare.

Helme and Hey Laithe

2011-07-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

Trees we planted 7 years ago at Hey Laithe.

Quite a good turnout for a Summer Saturday, Guy, Philip, Andrew, Stephen, Geoff and Dan. I was there too, but was on light duties due to hacking cough, and stayed at the nursery to potter about. The chaps went up to Helme, Meltham, for bracken bashing, and Guy did some White Rose Forest networking with the landowner. Then all back down to Hey Laithe to retrieve another 100 stakes for re-use, and collect old guards for disposal. Tidy types us. Cake was banana and walnut, with biscuits provided for the nut-allergic. Then back to the Sair for a pint, or four.

Geoff and Andrew wrestle with a rafia bag in the rain.

Hey Laithe again

2011-06-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

Back to Hey Laithe for more guard removal and reclaiming of stakes. A dreary wet June morning, so no photos, but myself, Guy, Ben and Andrew got some work done. Got a bit damp though. Nice cakes but.

Trees planted at Scammonden

2011-06-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

A photo of the 2700 trees planted at Scammoden reservoir this last season, almost all doing well despite the dry weather. We hope to continue planting further round the reservoir in the coming season, if funding is obtained. Scammonden was a popular site with the Scout and school groups who helped us, and we'd love to be able to work with them again.

Hey Laithe

2011-05-28T08:17:00.001-07:00

It was very rainy early on. I wondered how many volunteers would turn out. There were five of us and we went to Hey Laithe at Marsden for the first time for a while.

The site was planted about 7 years ago, and is doing very well. We rebuilt a dry-stone wall to stop the sheep and lambs in the next field from getting in. The fencing arrangements got re-hashed. We need to buy more fencing staples.

We also removed stakes and guards from the trees, they are growing really well. One hundred and fifty stakes were taken back to the nursery to be reused.

There is a fantastic view from Hey Laithe both up and down the valley. On a day like today, with intermittent weather, it was both a test of waterproof clothing and an excellent day for taking photographs.

Philip

PS Geoff says "worth saying there was no cake but chocolate digestives were most welcome"

What we do on our holidays

2011-05-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Just a note to say that this week we had a meeting with Kirklee's Environment Unit, and Philip spent many hours slaving over a grant application form for next season. Hopefully they will support further planting at Scammonden, some training, ongoing woodfuel project ideas, forest garden and first aid expenditure.

Removing guards at Marsden Golf course

2011-05-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

Typical Colne Valley spring morning, ie not very. But several hardy souls did turn out to remove guards at Marsden Golf course. Well done Ben, Neil, Julia and Duncan. The rest of us had very good excuses I am sure.

Last day of the season. Wills O' Nats

2011-04-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

From the left, Neil, Philip, Peter, Ben, Geoff, Andrew, Heidi, Trevor, Brian (kneeling), Ann, Simon, Ramsay, Dave, Duncan.Photo by Diane.

A nice end to the season, a morning spent planting 300 trees on the side of Meltham Cop hill behind the Wills O' Nats pub. We were joined by 3 ladies from Slaithwaite Women's Institute, one Linthwaite Scout (James) and Ramsay Bloom. Also, our sponsors for this site Northern Green Networks came along to present us with a trophy and take our picture. Thanks to Brian for organising it all, and Margaret for providing us with bacon sandwiches at the start.

Before we left the site we held a minutes silence for The Society's President, Wilf Proctor, who sadly passed away this week. Wilf joined the Society in 1965, and still regularly came to meetings. He was a lovely man and will be missed.

To Netherwood with Slaithwaite Band!

2011-03-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

Back to Netherwood farm this week, with special guests, members of Slaithwaite Band. We planted 105 Ash and Cherry in the field at the bottom of the clough, and 30 Birch by the track. Plus another 60 Oak and Rowan up in the fields behind the farmhouse. Tree Society regulars were myself, Ann, Heidi, Duncan, Trevor, Peter, Diane, Andrew, and newbie Peter, and two Scouts. Slaithwaite band members were too numerous to mention, but they all worked jolly hard. And all got a badge. Cake was ginger.

Netherwood beat-up

2011-03-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

The happy workers relax.

After several weeks of hectic planting with large-ish groups, today was a pleasant potter around an obscure field. We planted 120 Sitka Spruce, Larch and Rowan in a field high above Marsden, and will be back there next week to plant another 200 trees with Slaithwaite Band. Our team today comprised myself, Ann, Philip, Andrew, Heidi, Geoff and Guy. A select but capable few. The sun shone, we ate fruit cake, and we gazed down on the valley and discussed the progress of the various planting sites we in the distance. All very convivial.

Monday morning finishing off

2011-03-14T03:39:00.000-07:00

Too nice a morning to stay indoors, so went up to the Marsden site again and finished the staking and guarding. And put in another half a dozen trees where holes had already been dug. Beautiful up there. Good to see the owners have proudly displayed our Tree Society waymarkers.

Pure pleasure planting

2011-03-12T06:48:00.000-08:00

Duncan in the foreground, desolate moorland behind (needs more trees that).

It was agreed that this was the most pleasant morning's work in a while. We planted just over 200 trees in a small field just off the A62 way out west of Marsden. It didn't rain. And our convivial hosts provided us with tea and soup afterwards. Pure pleasure, and something of a relief after several rainy and stressful weeks. We were helped by a pair of Scouts, and Rose from Longwood Scouts - and I will stay in touch and hope to involve them in more work. Tree Society regulars were, myself, Ann, Philip, Neil, Julia, Ben, Andrew, Cath, Duncan and Dave. And we also had help from our hosts Tracy and family and dogs. Cake was carrot.

And I need to nip back there sometime and finish planting another 25 or so trees, as I had miscounted stakes/guards/trees.

Lindley Infants Owls rule!

2011-03-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

Tilly looking a bit wet, and lots of Lindley Owls and mums and dads in the background.

We were joined today by Lindley Infants Owls, led by Mrs Shires. They bravely turned out on a not very nice Saturday morning, and helped us plant almost 500 trees. Again we were at Scammonden, planting, Oak, Ash, Hazel and some Rowan. We were also visited by Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney, who lent a hand, made a cash contribution, and gave us some suggestions of local Companies we could approach for more support. Tree Society folk attending were, Guy, Philip, Dave, Ben, Neil, Geoff, Andrew, Ann and Tilly. Tilly helped me hand out badges and leaflets to the children. Ann handed out home made oat biscuits to all. Considering the drizzly damp weather we had a good productive morning. I just hope everyone got home, got dry, and warmed up afterwards. I recovered by having three pints of Linfit Bitter in the Sair, so I wasn't very effective for the rest of the day, quite relaxed though.

Scammonden and Golcar Scouts

2011-02-26T07:50:00.000-08:00

Golcar Scouts planting an Ash tree

Back to Scammonden today and we planted over 300 more Ash. We were assisted by a brilliant turnout of 19 Golcar Scouts, who were excellent workers! Weather was mixed, but the sun shone some of the time. Cake was a splendid coconut crunch. Regular tree society folk included myself, Philip, Neil, Geoff, Dave, Brian, Roger, Trevor, Ann, and new recruit Andrew (well we hope he is a new recruit, we tried not to scare him off).

We who also work on Thursdays

2011-02-24T07:50:00.000-08:00

Trevor and Brian finishing off an ailing Birch

I was recruited by the Senior section this morning, and went round to various sites with Brian, Trevor and Peter to "beat-up" (which means plant extra trees) and to cut down a couple of dead Birches.

What we did on our half term holiday.

2011-02-19T02:33:00.000-08:00

No tree planting today. A bit of snow, and the fact that a number of us were on half term breaks meant that we called it off. Myself, mother, Dan and Geoff did turn up, plus a couple of bright and enthusiastic Scouts. But we decided that the roads to Scammonden would be unpassable. We spent an hour sorting out reclaimed stakes and guards which Brian and crew had retrieved from Bolster Moor. We can use these in a couple of weeks time at Marsden. So that saves us some money and means the morning wasn't a total wash-out. Thanks Brian and crew for their recycling work, and to those intrepid few who did turn out this morning.

Access improvements at Fieldhouse

2011-02-14T04:02:00.000-08:00

There is now a new gate, and levelled access, to Fieldhouse.

Scammonden. Herons in the trees!

2011-02-12T08:50:00.000-08:00


Philip leans on his mattock and admires the winter sky.

Quite a nice morning, cloudy then sunny. Back at Scammonden attempting to plant Rowan high on the hillside above the reservoir. We managed 118 Rowan, which is not bad given the heavy digging and effort of dragging everything up the hill. Brian and crew managed a similar number down the bottom of the slope. While having coffee and cake we could see a number of herons roosting in the trees on the opposite side of the reservoir. I had not seen herons in such a big group before, and not seen them in trees. After the planting, off to the Sair for the mid season meeting.

Cath, Heidi and Neil hard at work. Previous
planting visible bottom right.

Finishing at the rifle range, not with bang but a whimper.

2011-02-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

Rifle range sign cheekily augmented with CVTS waymarker

Second week at Lydgate, finishing off. We planted a further 140 trees, taking our total for this site to around 320 - Larch, Rowan, Hawthorn, Scots Pine, Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock. A classic tree society damp and cloudy morning, but enlivened by lovely bakewell tart at break time. We were, myself, Ann, Ben, Philip, Geoff, Neil, Dave, Duncan, Cath, Guy, and Josh the Explorer Scout. The shooting club is a very large patch of land, and depending on how this season's trees fare then we may well look to come back here and plant more over the coming years.

Lydgate - sunshine and heavy digging

2011-01-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

All the crew, Philip waving in the distance.

Lovely morning up on the moors above Marsden. We have 300 trees to plant on the edge of the shooting club's land. We managed to plant 185 of them, as we were digging through very tough grass and heather. We were, Philip, Brian, Duncan, Cath, Heidi, myself, Neil, and Jack and Josh the Explorer Scouts. And the cake was a very very fruity fruit cake. We will be back there again next week, fingers crossed for more sunshine.

Scammonden Reservoir

2011-01-22T07:00:00.001-08:00

First week of what will be a long term project for us, planting up some fields on the edge of the Reservoir. It is our contribution to a wider project developing the site for public access, benefit and enjoyment. So we started by planting 300 Ash trees and some Hawthorn and Rowan along the edge. Good turnout, with myself, Cath, Philip, Neil, Dave, Duncan, Diane, my mum, Brian, Trevor, Peter, Guy, and two guests, Jack and Josh the Explorer Scouts. We will be back at this site over the next few weeks, planting considerably more trees. This week's cake was chocolate.

Hats off to Dave!

2011-01-17T10:53:00.001-08:00

Just a note to acknowledge all the hard work that Dave has done at the Nursery in the last few weeks. The work area, paths, and drainage all look brilliant. Dave, we salute you.

Butterley Reservoir- more trees and a lot of gorse.

2011-01-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

Cath, Ben and Heidi enjoy cake despite rain

2nd Week at Butterley Reservoir this year. Horrible, horrible weather, windy and rainy, our least favourite. Not cold though. We finished planting Emma and John's patch with 20 Holly. Planted 50 more trees in a clough for Blue Ginger. And then planted over 200 Gorse in several clumps. Planting the gorse meant clearing patches of Molinia grass and then putting the Gorse in at 1ft spacing. It did stop raining right at the end, which was nice. Cake was banana and walnut, and was universally acclaimed. And we all had a nice time, considering!

Cath, Philip, Geoff and Neil planting gorse above the reservoir.

Butterley Reservoir

2011-01-08T01:36:00.000-08:00

Geoff's photo of the crew in winter sunlight - he's a much better photographer than me, as you can see.

A murky kind of morning, but not too bad. Myself, Cath, Neil, Philip and Geoff set off. We were joined by Emma and John who had made a donation for an area of planting. It is a stiff walk round to the far side of the Reservoir, so some of the less agile volunteers weren't with us today. First we planted 55 trees in a small clough above Butterley Clough. These trees were sponsored by local company Blue Ginger. Then we moved round the hill a bit and planted 75 trees with Emma and John, in a spot that they can see from their house down in Marsden. We need to go back next week to finish that off, and to plant a further 50 trees for Blue Ginger. And also to put in 300 gorse plants. Today's cake was the ever popular lemon drizzle.

Philip, Cath and Neil with Butterley behind. No other caption required.

Hard at work on Sunday

2011-01-02T04:27:00.000-08:00

Tree Society is not just for Saturdays you know. Two of us were hard at work this fine Sunday morning. I was carrying stakes and guards up to Butterley Reservoir, and Dave was working on the paths and drainage at the nursery. Just one way of burning off those mince pies.

Fieldhouse finished, more or less

2011-01-01T05:56:00.000-08:00

I remember this when it was all field...

As a hangover-buster we agreed to meet and plant on New Years day. Very brave, some braver than others.
We finished planting all the trees for Fieldhouse, 2000 in total now planted. We still need to waymark the permissive paths, arrange the access improvements, and possibly add a handful of fruit trees.

At breaktime we had freshly made scones with butter and damson jam. And Heidi had brought a fine fizzy wine.

Philip, Heidi, fizzy wine, Lisa, Geoff, my hand.

Winter woodland management

2010-12-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

A cold and foggy December morning and myself, Dave, Philip and his chainsaw were doing woodland management at Throstle Green Farm. The landowner had asked that some of the Alder we planted 8 years ago be taken down, to preserve his view of the valley. We agreed, so long as we could take timber away as part of our nascent community wood fuel project. Funny thing to do with your Sunday morning, but it was actually really quite nice up there. Quiet (when the chainsaw wasn't going) and peaceful. Hard work mind.

Season's greetings from the CVTS

2010-12-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

The fruit vodka gets passed round.

Our fifth week at Fieldhouse, and another 400 trees planted. Quite snowy and flippin' cold, but a healthy turnout nonetheless. Myself, mother, Philip, Geoff, Aaron, Cath, Neil, Ben, Heidi, Lisa, Lisa's Dad, Dave, and Duncan. And Guy dropped by for a chat. One more day at Fieldhouse and the planting should be finished. New Years's day anyone? Homemade chocolate biscuits at breaktime, and Dave brought fruit vodka. Followed by a pint in the Swan afterwards.

Happy holiday's everyone!

The motley crew: Geoff, Aaron, Cath, Heidi, Lisa, Philip, Me, Ben, Neil, Dave and Duncan

540 more trees planted at Fieldhouse!!

2010-12-11T06:17:00.000-08:00

Tilly experimented with the panorama setting on the cameraphone. In the photo, Dave, Heidi
Dan, Diane, 3 Scouts, me, and then me again. Freaky.

Crikey, at this rate we may even finish this site one day. Really nice morning. Sunny and quite mild. All the snow had gone. Good turnout, with me, my mum, Tilly, Heidi, Geoff, Philip, Dave, Dan, Guy, Diane, Trevor, Brian, Peter, Duncan and Scouts. Cake was a mincemeat fruitcake, a Delia recipe according to my mum.

Anyway, well done everybody!

Tilly, and lots of trees.

450 trees planted!

2010-12-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

Philip and Ali and weak winter sunshine.

Well considering the weather this week and the snow still on the ground we had an ok turnout and a good morning. We worked like crazy and got 450 trees in. Photographer from the Huddersfield Examiner was there to record our efforts. Duncan, Sophie and the Scouts focused again on Rhododendron control and brushwood clearance. Ali, Philip, Cath, Dave, Neil, Julia, Geoff, Guy, Isabel, and myself, planted trees. We had been expecting the local MP Jason McCartney to make an appearance, but he was stuck in London. Never mind, we had rum and sloe gin in our breaktime coffees to make up for that. For the record we planted 150 Hazel, 150 Oak, and 150 Ash today.

Sloe gin, flapjack and woolly hats.

Fieldhouse week 2

2010-11-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

Picture of me, for a change.

Dicey weather for driving, but actually a nice morning for tree planting. Not too much snow on the ground, and lots of sunshine. In attendance were myself, Cath, Philip, Dave, Brian, Roger, and Duncan brought Scouts again. We planted around 240 trees (60 Guelder Rose, 60 blackthorn, and 120 Ash) and dug a lot more holes ready for next week's big do.

The assembled throng, minus Brian and Roger, enjoy lemon curd bakewell tart.

First planting of the season

2010-11-20T07:12:00.000-08:00

Scouts, volunteers, and tree planting materials

Always gratifying to actually plant some trees, after all the admin work and maintenance. We transported all the stakes and guards to the site using Brian's trailer and Peter and Trevor's help. Duncan brought some Scouts and their leaders. And we started planting. We have 2000 trees to plant on this site, so it is quite a big job. Nice site with a nice view, and a nice bit of ginger cake for break time.And a nice pint in the Sair afterwards. I think we planted maybe 90 trees today, Ash and Hazel.

Linfit bitter, Tunnocks wafer, and the tree order excel spreadsheet.

Scouts at Fieldhouse!

2010-11-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

Philip standing in the middle of where the 2000 trees will go.

The following is an email review by one of the Scouts helping Duncan at Fieldhouse, Slaithwaite today.

Hi guys me and dannielle have been to slaithwaite today with duncan, daisy, mary, henry, will, aaron and martin {lydias dad}. We have cleared wood into piles so that small animals like hedgehogs, insects and minibeasts shelter. We have cut

RHODODENRONS down to get more light to the ground.

so come next week at 9,45 am untill 12.30 approx outside the swan pub bring some thing to eat & drink bring your mum & dad too its fun {careys email for more details}

see you next thursday

One day our trees will come!

2010-11-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

Another Saturday spent doing necessary ground works at the nursery. Dave continued creating a border for the slabs, with Dan's and Neil's help. Cath and I dug more drainage channels, which was kind of fun for a while watching the water pouring away. Then we sorted the broken flags into matching pairs. Guy moved woodchip around. Philip was at Fieldhouse with Duncan and Scouts for the first half, dealing with brushwood and felled timber. He then joined us for cake and some more digging at the nursery. Tree delivery should be this week and hopefully we can go to Fieldhouse and actually plant some trees next Saturday.

Dig for victory!

2010-11-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

More nursery work, and no pictures because it was too muddy to get the camera out. Worked on creating an edge to the hard standing area, and digging a drainage ditch to take water away. Very very hard muddy work. One day soon it will all be over and we can plant some trees. When they arrive that is.

Acorns! Acorns!

2010-10-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

In an ongoing effort to cut costs and be more sustainable, I have planted 360 plus acorns, all gathered in the Lake District this week. Half of them were already rooting. The main danger now is that mice will get them, I lost half those I planted last year to mice. For this reason they will be kept above ground level until growing. The root trainer trays have been in the Society's possession for some years, but haven't been used, and the compost to fill them came from expired tomato grow-bags on local allotments. So there were no costs at all. If they all grow then this will save the Society £190.

Nursery work

2010-10-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

The start of tree planting is still a couple of weeks away, when we can get all our financial ducks in a row, and get trees delivered. In the meantime we have been doing essential work at the Nursery.

We spent the morning moving vast amounts of wood chippings created by the contractors who cleared the site for fencing. Also we acquired a large number of big, heavy, slightly broken paving slabs from the local cricket club -these will be used to create an area of hard standing for us to work on and store materials on. And we began to clear and level off the area for that hard standing.

All very, very, hard work. But very gratifying in its way (I hope I still think that when I am aching tomorrow morning)

Should Heidi be forbidden from wearing that t-shirt again though? Sober environmental types us.

Nursery work

2010-10-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

This morning we busied ourselves tidying the nursery, and discussing the groundworks that need doing. As you can see, we had a bit of a play with the blue drainage pipe, working out how much we had and how far it would go. We also cleared rubbish, and gathered rocks from the cleared area, to use as hardcore for over and around the pipe. Picture below is of me trying to pull up some of the vast amounts of black liner which was buried in the soil. We intend to install the drainage pipe and sort out the hard standing work area on the first day of the season, Saturday 30th October.

Button badge design

2010-09-30T02:18:00.000-07:00

More photoshop fun. I designed a button badge, using some of Dan's artwork.

Huck Hill signs and waymarkers

2010-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

A lovely morning, a lovely morning to carry very heavy bags of cement, signs and fenceposts up a big steep hill. Good workout that.

We were at Huck Hill installing signs and waymarkers for a permissive path joining two public footpaths. Iain the landowner joined myself, Philip and Neil.

Dave, AKA Private Frazer, was there too early on, warning us of the Tree Society's impending financial doom. But, just like in Dad's army, we think he is overstating the matter a bit.

Cake was a very nice coconut and chocolate cream thing.

While on site we also took a look at the scrapes and the liner that will form ponds to encourage biodiversity. Scrapes have been done, though the landowner would like to enlarge them. The liner is on site (as pictured) but has yet to be installed.

Now that the scrapes are done, liner on site, and waymarkers and signs installed, the Kirklees Environment Grant Scheme parts of this project are now complete - barring final approval. There is a small amount of money left in the budget, which we hope Kirklee's will agree can be spent on replacing some failed trees on this site.

Nursery developments

2010-09-20T03:20:00.000-07:00

The palisade fencing has now been completed, it runs continuously from the main gate round the top and far edges of the site until the boundary meets gardens. There is no longer gate access from the top far corner. The shipping container has been levelled. The old sheds have been moved, and damaged, so we might need a bonfire at some point, with all the wood and rubbish in there from the work, then we could have a pretty good November 5th bonfire. Plus we have room for fireworks? Just a thought. Anyway, the new gate is still a work in progress, and further landscaping might be in the pipeline. All looks a bit bare at the moment, and could benefit from further tidying.

Fieldhouse site visit

2010-09-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

A Thursday evening site visit to Fieldhouse, to meet up with Luke from Beneficial Tree Care. Beneficial have recently cut down a lot of the dead trees at the back of the site for us, part of the process of making the site safe for public access. There were a lot of dead trees, and so, as you can see, there is a lot of timber. We discussed Luke removing timber from the site, and the possible use of the site in the future for a community woodfuel project. Access to the site seemed to be the main sticking point. There is no access for any medium to large vehicle. A quad bike and trailer would perhaps be the answer. Funding for the project did include some money for improved access, but only enough to pay for a new gate and stile.

Nursery carnage

2010-08-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Got call from Dave about 4pm this afternoon. He had seen tree work being done at the nursery. So I whizzed down there and found Luke and his Beneficial crew razing the top half of the nursery to the ground. According to Luke the allotment grant money that Julian had said we would be getting, was got, and needed spending pronto. So the area designated for the storage containers had to be cleared. All the top area of the nursery has been deforested, including the copse by the entrance. The sheds are now somewhat exposed. The horse tail bed at the far end of the top has also been destroyed, along with the small trees that were planted there. I phoned Philip and he and Ali zoomed up to have a look, Luke and crew had gone by then though.

On the whole, though a bit of a shock, it looks like a positive development, as we should now get the secure storage and fencing that we asked for.

Tidying up the nursery

2010-08-21T01:21:00.000-07:00

Neil, Justin, Tilly, and my Mum (looking like an old hillbilly)

This Saturday we spent the morning tidying up our nursery base. We are hoping to get some money from Kirklees allotment department for securing the boundary of the nursery and having some secure storage set up for the Society to work from. A recent inspection by Julian Faulkner from the Council found the place looking a bit sad and neglected. So we worked hard on it this morning. My mother came a long to lend her expertise with sorting out the Raspberry bushes. Philip, Geoff, Neil, myself, and Justin were also there. And later on Sarah and Tilly appeared. We cleared paths, trimmed hedges, weeded beds and generally did very well. What we didn't know was that a few days later....

There will be blood, Fitzcaraldo!

2010-08-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Duncan, covered in blood

A diverse morning. Philip, Geoff, Diane and I spent an hour tidying up at the Nursery, and then we went up off to Merrydale. We had some coffee and cake, and then made a feeble attempt at clearing some Japanese knotweed. Duncan, who had been up there already with some Scout friends, cut his hand rather badly on a bramble. So that is the first bit of today's blog title. The second part refers to Geoff then dragging us up to the furthest corner of Merrydale to do some more filming and interviewing for his documentary. And that furry thing on top of Geoff's camera is, apparently, called a "dead kitten".

Not much tree planting, but there is serious work going on behind the scenes, getting quotes for fencing and signage, filling out monitoring forms, and making grant applications for next season.

Bracken bashing at Butterley Reservoir

2010-07-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Once again, bashing the bracken (which is not a euphemism). This time up the east side of Butterley Reservoir. Difficult steep terrain, but it was worthwhile as there were quite a few small trees that were struggling to keep going under bracken which was shoulder height. Yes it all looks pretty verdant up there, but mostly that is an endless sea of bracken. Cake was a homely and retro jam tart. Very nice. First picture is of Neil sitting on a bit of Yorkshire water architecture, some sort of access hole for reservoir stuff. Other picture is of Philip sharpening his implement (again, not a euphemism). I stepped on a covey of grouse while I was up there. Six of them, and they didn't take off until I was literally almost stepping on them. I think they need to shape up a bit before the glorious twelfth, or their prospects aren't good. And we might have seen a Ring Ouzel, but we aren't sure.

Nettle bashing at High Wood

2010-06-28T23:52:00.000-07:00

A fine morning bracken and nettle bashing at High Wood, rescuing small trees from being swamped and deprived of light. Very worthwhile, there were lots of little trees in there that benefited. And it was a lovely morning too. I was experimenting with the panorama setting on my phone, and we had chocolate brownies at break time.

Marsden Cuckoo's nest AGM

2010-06-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Tonight I attended the Marsden cuckoo's nest AGM, and got the chance to thank them for the generous grant they recently gave us. A lovely bunch of people.

Lindley Methodist green fair

2010-06-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

Today Philip and I set up our stall at the Lindley Methodist green fair. We were outside under a small gazebo, and it was unseasonably cold. Philip had to phone home and get a coat brought out. Neil and Duncan also turned up to lend a hand. Turnout wasn't huge, probably due to the weather, but someone did give us 10 trees (Douglas Firs?)

Bracken bashing and bee stings at High Brow

2010-06-17T03:52:00.000-07:00

See those pesky bracken stems, look harmless don't they, they're not.

Philip and I went to High Brow above Meltham this evening to cut back some of the bracken growing over this years new planting. Very sunny and warm, and I got stung by something, not sure what it was, but it was flippin' painful. An otherwise successful evening. The trees at High Brow are doing very well. We did walk down to Jess's field to look at the planting from the year before, and bumped into Jess and her horses.

Looking out overMeltham.

Deer guards at Marsden Golf Club

2010-06-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

Five members headed up to Marsden Golf Club to do a variety of jobs. Firstly we put on 50 deer guards in phase 4 of the plantiing at the golf course. The guards were put on the sessile oak in an area which has seen much unwanted sheep grazing action over the last few years. Duncan began taking off guards on some well established trees adjacent to the 'sheep super-highway' which were planted only marginally before the other trees. Later, after a break involving hastily bought digestive biscuits, a splinter group went to bracken-bash around Butterley reservoir. Finding that the trees were doing well, above the bracken, and didn't need bashing, Geoff continued his filming of all things 'Tree Society'. There was no need to take a photo of the biscuits (mostly broken) for the archive.

Fence mending at Marsden golf course

2010-05-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

Philip, Dan and Guy hard at work.

Not a very nice morning, but worthy, and almost fun. Mending fences at Marsden golf course. These fences have been deliberately cut or broken down by human hands we think, but the upshot is that sheep can get into our recent planting and eat the young trees. Myself, Philip, Dan and Guy were there. And we had date and walnut cake. And found lots of golf balls. We have had to mend these fences before, so took very careful pictures of our finished work, so that we can say what state these were in on this date.

Hilarious picture of Philip, with a very small Dan tucked in his jacket.
Oh, and the fence we mended in the background.

Deer guarding at Green Hill Clough

2010-05-15T23:17:00.000-07:00

Nice view back down towards Slaithwaite.

First day of summer work, and Philip, Neil and I were putting on deer guards up at Green Hill Clough above Marsden. Some of the oaks up there have been struggling over the last 3 or 4 years, and some say that it is deer that have been nibbling them. Brian did phone me the other night and said Muntjac deer had been spotted, and they have been spreading northwards in the last few years. Muntjacs are pretty voracious critters so we fear them. The deer guards are substantially taller than our usual tree guards (also more expensive!) and so should give the trees longer to get established. The three of us put on 50 new stakes and guards, and retrieved the old smaller stakes and guards for re-use. It was quite time consuming, getting up there and then finding which trees needed help most, but it was a lovely morning, and very peaceful up there.

Philip is in there somewhere, hidden by his Realtree shirt.

Fieldhouse site visit

2010-05-10T23:49:00.000-07:00

This Monday evening, Philip, Duncan and I met Ramsay Bloom from Kirklees Council, on site at Fieldhouse Slaithwaite. This site has been under discussion for the last two years, but we hope to move forward with it in the 2010/11 season. Originally it had been suggested that this field be used as an experiment in wood fuel planting, but subsequent discussions, including that with Ramsay this evening suggest that it would be better to treat this as a more naturalistic community woodland area, with some limited woodfuel planting. We already have grant money to pay for arborial work to make safe some large dead trees at the rear of the site, to replace the access gate, and to plant a selection of native tree species across the upper and side parts of the field. It is a lovely site, with great views out over Slaithwaite. Ramsay explained that the field is what used to be the grounds of Fieldhouse, a large mill owners residence, which came into Council hands some years ago, and is now converted into flats. He also showed us the remains of the more formal garden at the bottom of the slope, where, hidden amongst the trees at the side of the road, are Victorian paths, rockery, trees and shrubs. We also discovered a guerilla allotment in the far corner of the field, which we will do our best to respect when we come to planting.

Bolster Moor Farm Shop - phase 2

2010-05-01T05:52:00.001-07:00

Neil and Brian, a meeting of minds.

Here we are again at Bolster Moor Farm Shop, helping out a local business. Today we finished planting the heathers and ground covering plants in front of the car park. It was a lovely morning, with Brian, Neil, Richard, Roger and myself. Good view from up there, and it was a lovely clear day so we could see as far as Selby and the Drax power station, which must be 30 miles at least. Also on site were some young Scouts who had also been drafted in. A meeting of generations then.

They thought it was all over...

2010-04-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

Well last week was the official end of the season, as decreed by our chairman, but Brian phoned round on Thursday night looking for volunteers to help with some planting at Bolster Moor farm shop. So there we were, planting heathers and other ground covering plants in front of the car park of the new Bolster Moor farm shop. We did get a section of pork pie each, and the sun did shine. Attending were, Brian, Peter, Trevor, Philip, Dan, Duncan and myself.

END OF THE SEASON

2010-04-19T01:26:00.001-07:00

There were just three of us for the last day of planting this season, Geoff, Guy and Philip. We began by planting self seeded ash saplings out in the tree beds at the nursery. The main job of the day though was to plant 250 holly at Netherwood Farm as part of our ongoing 'beating-up' policy. This task was made alot easier due to all the holes being dug beforehand, so we just had to plant the trees. This allowed Geoff time to take some footage for his film about the Tree Society. And it allowed all of us to lie in the sun looking up at an aircraft free blue sky. Netherwood is a great place to be on a sunny day, even though there was a steady breeze. The only thing that was not ideal was the lack of cake.

Netherwood Farm and Wholestone Moor

2010-04-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

The last day of the season? Fingers crossed. We started up at Netherwood Farm, where we were "beating up", planting new trees in and amongst previously planted stuff. Not everything on this site has thrived, so we were augmenting it with more Hawthorn and Oak. I think around 150 trees got planted. Dave and I left after cake break, and went back to Wholestone Moor to finish off there. We planted around 90 trees up there, though we left some unstaked and unguarded. The important thing was to get the trees in the ground before they start their spring growth. The site is now very well fenced, so the trees should be safe enough from grazing. We will pop up there sometime in the Summer to finish off. Today's cake was a splendid and substantial Bakewell tart. We worked quite hard this morning, to try and bring the season to a close, I was worn out, but still ceremoniously washed my gaiters and boots after we'd finished. I don't bother to clean my kit all winter, just when I think we've finished.

SUNNY SCAMMONDEN

2010-03-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Today's blog is written by Philip, as I was out wining and dining.

To paraphrase a wise man, the best planting days are enjoyed by the least number of people. Yesterday at Scammonden was one such day.
Six people planted 170 trees after a long trek to the site, which was adjacent to a footpath along the shores of Scammonden Water. A hawthorn hedge was planted as a woodland edge, with sessile oak and hazel behind. There are still 30 trees to plant in this sector along with some alder in another sector. Brian, Peter, Neil, Philip, Duncan and his daughter Sophie did a good job in adverse conditions - sunshine. N.B. the photos were taken after the sun had gone in. We missed our weekly fix of cake though.

Gardening at night

2010-03-26T02:25:00.000-07:00

Philip and I went out on a Friday evening, in an attempt to plant some of the season's last trees. Back to High Brow at Meltham to add another 60 trees to the earlier planting. It rained a bit a the start, but then cleared up into a pleasant almost spring like evening. And the two of us planted 60 trees in under an hour and half. Which wasn't bad.

Oh, and the blog title is the title of an old REM song.

Carry on, mind that chicken. The sequel

2010-03-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

Our second week at this site, and we were joined by Mrs Shires and Lindley infants OWLs group. Incredibly brave of them, condsidering it was a miserable rainy morning. The kids didn't seem to mind though, and another 400 or so trees got planted. Amazing progress. Thankyou again to Yolande for organising, and for all the parents and children who joined in. Lets hope the weather is nicer next time. I took no photos this week, as it was a bit wet, and I have to admit I'd left the batteries in the charger anyway. So thank you to Duncan for the picture. In just two Saturdays around 1000 trees got planted on this site, pretty darn impressive.

Carry on, mind that chicken!

2010-03-13T06:50:00.001-08:00

Dave, Duncan, Neil, and chicken, and whiskey.

Our first week at Glen View Marsden, where there are quite a lot of trees to be planted. Thanks to Brian we had a good turnout, with Richard, Roger and Ramsay joining us. Old stalwarts comprised me, Philip, Neil, Dave, Trevor, Peter, Brian, Geoff, Heidi, Duncan - and making a special guest appearance Ali. Neil and Sarah the landowners also pitched in, and were a bit taken aback at how speedy we were. We planted around 400 trees, which is a good mornings work. We were mildly harassed by chickens, who were excitedly looking for worms even before we had finished digging a hole. Homemade biscuits at break time. And Whiskey courtesy of Brian. Weather was kind to us, cool at first, but brightening up at the end. Fingers crossed for next week at the same site. Down the hill to the Riverhead afterwards, though some of the mature chaps went to the Vineyard, the gentlemen only club at Slaithwaite (imagine a cross between Last of the Summer Wine, and Deliverance).

Ali adopts a chicken.

Trevor surveys the distance.

Huck Hill. Will plant for soup.

2010-03-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

The soup that was not.

Third and last week of this season at Huck Hill, and we got the majority of the 600 trees planted over the three weeks. Some were left for Iain the landowner to do later when his scrape and pond liner are in place. Weather was mixed, some drizzle and lots of low cloud, but once or twice there was a bit of brightness and a view. Lots of extra volunteers again, thanks to Rob and Mick, and to Diane and several friends. Diane had brought soup along, but her camping stove had run out of gas. So we had to make do with the home made lemon drizzle cake and luxury biscuits provided by Ian. Its nice working up at Huck Hill, but a long slog getting up there.

Apologies for not writing this sooner, Ali.

Assembled throng.

Hubris at Huck Hill

2010-02-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

Dave, in the mist.

Well, I shouldn't have been so delighted with last week. This week was a bit more grim. Same site, entirely different weather, foggy, with snow and sleet. Plus we were in a different part of the site, which had tough grass alternated with boggy bits. Hard going. Geoff was doing more filming, we are getting used to his prescence. Our happy band consisted of Trevor, Peter, Brian, Neil, Geoff, Dave, myself, and Iain the landowner. One more week on this site should do it, it jolly well better, we still have a ton of trees to do elsewhere. It was nice warming up in the pub afterwards. Sorry, nearly forgot Duncan, who struggled manfully up the hill, but then got poorly with his asthma and had to go home.

Geoff, the docu-mentalist.

Glory, glory, glory!

2010-02-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

Geoff and Philip on the horizon.

It is one of the unwritten rules of this lark, that the most glorious morning of the season will be the one when hardly anyone turns up. Your loss, people. It was stunning up there this morning. True, it was cold, and there was a little snow on the ground, but the sky was deep blue and the sun shone. We were high up above the Tunnel End and Canal centre at Marsden. We planted there two seasons ago, and we have a new moorland fringe field to plant up with 600 trees this season. Iain the landowner joined myself, Philip, Dave, Geoff and Diane. We had a lovely time and ate very substantial apple flapjack. Geoff made a start on his documentary about us.

Honestly, there is nothing like a bit of hard work, on a cold sunny morning, up high on a snowy hill.

Looking back down towards where we had to climb up

A cunning plan.

High Ridge, Meltham

2010-02-13T02:04:00.000-08:00

A pleasant morning planting 185 trees in a field overlooking Meltham. We were mob-handed, with help from Richard and Roger, as well as Angie and friends from the Slubbing Billies. The usual suspects were also at work, Philip, Dave, Dan, Brian, Trevor, Peter, Geoff and myself. Fine weather and the job got done in quick time. Then on to the Mid season meeting at the Sair (pub).

Guerrillas in the mist - Wholestone Moor

2010-02-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

Trevor, Philip, Diane and Brian

Another week at Wholestone Moor, and another variety of weather. This time thick fog. Got plenty done, in a nice convivial atmosphere. We have planted around 700 trees here so far, and will now wait until the fencing contractor has been and done his work, then we will return and plant alongside the new fence. This weeks cake was a rather crumbly but delicious apple cake. Someone (ungrateful cur) only rated it 7/10, so it'll be plain cream crackers for them in future. We did do a little bit of cheeky guerrilla planting today, slightly over the boundary of where we should have been. Wild and crazy us.

Wholestone Moor week 3 - good in parts

2010-01-30T02:16:00.000-08:00

Neil, Philip, Dave, Heidi, Geoff, Duncan, and Matt - Trevor and Brian in the distance, somewhere

A very cold day, and the atmosphere wasn't just meteorological. There needs to be some sort of tree society Oath that everyone takes, including promises not to criticise or correct other volunteers work, and not to argue unecessarily. Ask not what your tree society can do for you, but what you can do for your tree society. Aside from all that, we had a productive morning, in brilliant cold sunshine. Probably planted around 250 trees again, which wasn't bad going given that some were frozen solid and unplantable. Lets hope those trees thaw for next week, and that some of those frozen people skills also warm up.

Wholestone Moor - Finally we get to plant some trees!

2010-01-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

Dan and Dave figure out which trees are which.

Officially then this is the second week at Wholestone Moor, a very large shelter belt site between farmland and the M62, but in reality this was the first week of real planting. I think we managed to plant over 200 trees, which wasn't bad going after having to transport the trees to the site, and acquaint everyone with the planting plan. Still deep snow in some places, and Trevor, who is six foot four, managed to go groin deep into a snow drift. So that gives you some idea. Cake was a luxurious bakewell tart. Other notable topic of the morning, Dan's new realtree multifunction gloves, with "trigger finger" (or nose picking) capability.

Winter madness

2010-01-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

Philip knee deep, Neil in the background.

Well, it has begun to thaw, and we were determined to do something rather than nothing. So we went to Wholestone Moor to dig some holes. Snow was about 3 ft deep in places so it was a bit of a fools errand. Still, we got some fresh air and exercise, took some nice pictures, and had some nice cake. Cake was a lovely date and brazil nut affair, but Cath had her own date-less portion.

The Cath in the hat.

Slaithwaite Spa

2010-01-09T04:10:00.000-08:00

Before, annoying tree in way.

After, much nicer view of Spa Mill

We are still up to our ears in snow, so we opted for some maintenance work this morning. The Society planted trees at Slaithwaite Spa some years ago, and the friends of Slaithwaite Spa had asked us to come back and trim or remove some trees that had begun to obscure the view of the valley from the benches. Its Kirklees land, so the Environment unit had been advised. Philip had his trusty chainsaw (plus safety trousers, helmet, gloves and ear protectors), and he was joined by Duncan, Guy, Heidi, Dave and myself. We had a pretty good time, though it was damned hard work because the trees in question were planted on a very steep slope. Duncan has kindly provided some great photos. There is a before and after pic after Philip took down the main offender tree, a pic of Philip at work, and a pic of me pinned under a bit of tree that I had just dragged down the slope. Oh, and we went to the Commercial afterwards for a rest and a pint.

Foolish boy

Man at work

Rotcher Wood community orchard

2009-12-21T00:28:00.000-08:00

Duncan, Philip and Cath digging away.

The site we were going to go to was inaccessible this morning, and the little trees would be frozen together solidly anyway. So, instead Duncan took us to the Rotcher Wood community orchard, where we dug out some Oak trees that will be in the way of the fruit tree planting there. Very cold, until you got digging, but then I soon managed to get down to a t-shirt. We took away about 30 small trees and placed them in a trench in Duncan's back garden, so that we can replant them elsewhere on another day.Duncan saves a tree.

Bare rooted trees "healed-in" to the trench in Duncan's garden.

Winter Hill, Hemplow and Wholestone moor

2009-12-12T11:13:00.000-08:00

Brian graciously accepting tea from the landowner.

Bit of a three-for-one deal this morning, with people headed off in all directions. Dave and Neil transported materials off to our next big site. Guy, Duncan and Heidi went back to Hemplow/Butterley. Myself, Philip, Geoff, Brian, Peter and Trevor went to Winter Hill and planted 90 trees in a small field there. Owner was very nice and brought us tea on a tray. Our cake was jam buns, as pictured. V.good. An excellent morning, the weather was passable, and later worked itself up into a lovely sunny winter's day. And the Sair has started serving its own beer again! Turned out nice again.

Trevor striding purposefully past his work.

Oh, and Neil pointed out that the blog had had some unsavory content added via the comment section. Don't panic, I have blocked the offending material. It actually was pretty mild pictures of a scantily clad young Chinese woman, and all the text appeared to be in Chinese too. We must have followers in that part of the world.

Heidi, Guy, Neil and Dave at Butterley

Hemplow Wood week 3

2009-12-05T06:56:00.001-08:00

Cath, Me (Simon) and fruit cake.The pool behind me is known as the swimming pool, though I wouldn't want to.

Here we are again at Hemplow Wood, nearly done, just some tidying up to do next week. 250 trees added to this bit of Butterley Clough, and 150 Holly and Hawthorn to go further round overlooking the reservoir. Nice classic (appropriate use of the word) fruit cake this morning.

Trevor, Cath, Neil (waving) and Dan.

Hemplow Wood week 2

2009-11-28T02:15:00.000-08:00

Ooh it looked horrible when we woke up this morning, sleeting. But that stopped and it turned out quite nice. Up to Hemplow Wood again. Dave and I were elsewhere ferrying planting materials around in car and trailer, but Cath, Geoff, Duncan, Neil and Diane did sterling work. Thanks to Duncan for the pictures. Cake was Carrot, though my mum seemed to have chucked a lot of other stuff in there as well...

Hemplow Wood

2009-11-21T23:50:00.000-08:00

First day of actual real planting of the season, and we are at Hemplow Wood, next to Butterley Reservoir. Its a long walk from the nearest parking, and we had to carry all the kit over there. So it was a late start actually digging, and we got 50 trees planted. Lovely spot though, if a bit steep and rocky. First gratuitous cake picture of the year, fresh buttered scones.

All publicity is good publicity

2009-11-16T07:32:00.000-08:00

Today I put up a small recruitment display in the Marsden Information point window. Just an A3 poster, some waymarkers, a mattock, and a t-shirt. Maybe someone will be enticed by the stylish t-shirt...

Nursery work

2009-11-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Still no trees to plant! So we did a substantial amount of tidying up at the Nursery. I am going to fetch several hundred trees myself this week, so it will be planting as normal next saturday. And we will be getting our proper delivery for the season soon.

Merrydale encore une fois

2009-11-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

Another Saturday spent up Merrydale, we all know it well by now. Not the most dynamic of starts to the season, but we will survive.