The last day of January saw a good turn out of volunteers to continue working in the willow copse. From the cut willow piles strong stakes were fashioned to make retainers for a dead hedge in front of the reed bed by the bridge. Then the smaller, bushier pieces were piled in and tamped down. Many hands (or rather loppers and saws) made light work and the enormous mounds of branches were soon reduced to piles of chunky logs. Tea break was held at the Bowman Memorial Bench on this occasion as the mud round the hide was not very inviting as a picnic site! I'm afraid I was too busy sampling the delicious cakes on offer to take pictures on this occasion, but here are a few photos to give a flavour of the work.
Lumber-jills at work
and one Lumberjack
Once the retainers were in place the bushy residue could be pressed in
The rain held off, the company was convivial, and the cakes were delicious! We headed home tired, very muddy but pleased with a job well done. Many thanks to everyone who came along and to those who provided the cakes.
P.S. If you Google "Lumberjack " there is mention of "iconic figures and challenging forest work" which sounded about right to me!
please click on photos to enlarge them
