3rd December
We met Duncan Hutt and Mel from the Northumberland Wildlife Trust at Liddells. Duncan was interested in our idea of leaving the land to the NWT. He offered help and we talked about grazing options.
We planted 2 patches of Pheasant's Eye Narcissus either side of the crossbase, 3 clumps in the verge and some inside the boundary wall north of the gate and by the beeches.
4th December
40 Fritillaria planted in lower east meadow - our chosen site for wildflowers (we had originally thought of developing the area above the crag, but Duncan's visit prompted a rethink).
Clump of Narcissus Felindre (Poeticus Daffodil) on bank approaching Bird Cherry tree. 2 clumps by the Bird Cherry.
6th December
50 Snowdrops and 16 Narcissi in the woodland. John saw ladybirds appearing to hibernate in a Scots Pine, south edge of Pit Wood.
18th December
Ian Everard from the Forestry Commission visited the land with us and advised on making subcompartments/grant applications. He was encouraging and offered help with forms.
20th December
We cut out own Christmas tree and one for Jane B.
26th December
Boxing Day - 2 hours freeing trees from plastic tubes in NE Strip.
27th December
More tree freeing/logging/clearing
28th December
Brashing/logging/clearing; bags of rubbish to dump; logs stacked in shed on Top Grazing; Freelander stuck in mud overnight!
29th December
After more unsuccessful attempts on John's part to free the Land Rover, he went off to get help. Determined not to be beaten, Clare managed to drive it out just as Derek arrived with a tractor. So proud!
Brashing/logging/clearing - more logs stacked; trailer mended; common earthball fungus identified east of path under wires.
John and chain saw - a familiar sight
The North-east Strip looking more open after brashing and thinning
The spoils of tree-freeing
30th December
Office work on planning/forms etc.
31st December
Diary update.