(OaFs go tree planting)
By Phil Ryder
It was with a certain amount of apprehension that we scanned the weather forecasts as the weekend approached. Earlier in the week the whole country had been threatened with blizzard conditions and heavy frosts, but fortunately the area around Darwen was spared the snow and although the week had been cold it wasn’t nearly as bad as the forecast had predicted.
The community tree planting day for Polyphemus Wood was scheduled to begin at 10:00 am on Saturday 26 November and we set off towards the site in light rain and temperatures only a little above freezing. The site is on an elevated position overlooking Darwen, Blackburn and the surrounding area and whilst the view is good, the exposed position meant we started the day well wrapped up against the icy wind. As we entered the site we were greeted by staff of The Woodland Trust, but once they realised we are veteran tree planters they just handed us bundles of Oak, Ash, Rowan and Birch together with protecting sleeves and we set off to plant to plant some trees. Throughout the day we had chance to talk with the staff from The Woodland Trust and we were all impressed by both their knowledge and eagerness to help.
During the week leading up to the community event The Woodland Trust had involved some of the local primary schools in helping to plant the woodland. This together with the event being well attended by local residents meant that quite a few trees had already been planted when we arrived. However, we spotted a corner that had no trees planted yet and so we “claimed” that patch for our group. We soon found out why the area had been avoided, it was on the top of the hill and exposed to the northerly wind.
Our group planted around 200 trees, mainly Birch but also a good mix of the other species. We are now looking forward five years to when The Oak and Feather Grove can sit in “our corner” of the fledgling woodland and celebrate the seasons.
