Every Last Twig

I had three birch trees cut down recently.

Big pile of trees

They appeared as tiny saplings in my garden hedge and I let them grow because I like trees.  About 25 years later they had outgrown the space and it was time for them to go.

I’ve had solar electric panels fitted this year and as the sun got lower in the autumn the trees were also shading those. I’m not sure where that leaves my carbon footprint.

Identifying Fungi – Baby Steps

Big Brown Toadstool #1

I haven’t a clue about fungi.  Some of my clever friends know everything, so I just ask them. But I’ve had a terrible thought. What if they are making it up?  Would they do that? Would I do that? Damn! I would. I’m going to have to learn enough so I can spot when they do.

None of the above – people I admire

WhaleFest

I meet the greatest people when I’m on Trees For Life conservation weeks.  Some of them do things I never dreamed of and live their lives in ways I didn’t even know were possible.

I vaguely remember, long, long ago a school careers person offering two options: a) get a job or b) go to university. a) didn’t sound any fun so I chose b). Three years later it was much the same storey: a) stay on and do another degree or b) get a job.  I’d had as much education as any reasonable person could stand by then so I got a job and I’ve had it (or one very like it) ever since.

Now, I clearly don’t have much imagination, because other people when offered a) or b) said “none of the above” and bounded off into the unknown.

Conservation Holiday Diary – Saturday2

Alder trees Strathan Cottages, Attadale

All rush this morning. Packing and the final cleaning of kitchens and bathrooms.

Then it’s all paused to eat a steaming pile of Wee Eggies. A recipe held in deep secrecy by the Scottish nation.

Conservation Holiday Diary – Friday2

Dead pine from the original forest

More non-native tree removal today, on the same site as yesterday.

We seem to have christened the site “Planet Heather”. We spend so much energy clambering through it.

More liberation of Scots Pine, Birch, Rowan and Willow. We find one Hazel and one Holly too.

We are working higher up the hill today, where the skeletons of old Scots Pine show that this was a native Pine wood before it was a timber plantation. They link the forest past to the forest future.

Conservation Holiday Diary – Thursday

Removing invasive Spruce trees

Today’s job is removing young non-native trees growing in an area where native woodland is regenerating.

They are seedlings from a timber plantation which was previously on the site, mostly Sitka Spruce. The problem is that they grow faster than the native trees and shade them out.  Wonderful trees in their North American home but a menace in Scotland where the wildlife hasn’t much use for them.

Conservation Holiday Diary – Wednesday

Off to watch seals, Plockton, Tattie scones breakfast causing a slight list.

Our day off!

I had an early walk up the hill beside the cottages. Photographed some more caterpillars. Should I be worried that I have more photos of caterpillars than of people?

Gillian made us all breakfast of Tattie Scones and butteries. That’s me set up for the day.

Most of us fancy a boat trip to see the seals at Plockton, so off we go.
Gillian and I opted for a walk about the coast instead.

It was sunny.
It was hot.

Conservation Holiday Diary – Tuesday

Extracting Rhododendron roots

We meet up with Chris and Sarah. They join us in the minibus while the rain pours down and Chris tells us about the history of Achnashellach Forest, the region, the Forestry Commission and the plans and hopes for the future of native woodland.

The rain pours down some more.

We drive on to the west end of the forest (through the swamp, deeper again today),  park up and head for some clumps of invasive Rhododendron that Chris wants removed.

Conservation Holiday Diary – Monday

Fuar Tholl, view from the fence, Achnashellach

Back to the fence for more destruction.

The minibus makes it through the mud again but we’ve had plenty of rain and it isn’t getting any easier.

The climb seems much easier today. Everyone seems to feel it. How does that work? We can’t have got any fitter since yesterday morning.

Conservation Holiday Diary – Sunday

Achnashellach fence

We’ll be removing an old deer fence. It’s not needed anymore, it detracts from the wildness of the place and kills low flying grouse. Time for it to go. Pack fencing tools in the minibus.

Sean has made porridge and tea (I knew this was going to be a good week) and even makes me toast. Sean can come again.

Issue safety gear to all and waterproofs and wellies to those who haven’t got Scotland-proof gear.

Everyone in the minibus and on the road by 9:00 – amazing!  Off to Achnashellach Forest.