Branching Out!

Team Thursday were faced with new challenges this morning and a break from the usual tasks of burning brash and coppicing. The recent storm had caused a large Larch tree to fall and it was hanging precariously over one of the trails. Sadly, it had to be removed as it was a health and safety concern.

In no time at all the tree was cut into manageable sizes and stacked into a habitat pile for invertebrates and small mammals.

The team then tried out a new invention, a 'potato crate' for the fire, something which Ian had 'russled up' after a conversation on Tuesday about losing potatoes in the ash!

The crate could probably hold enough potatoes to feed an army and will no doubt be a hit with the students from the Dales School when they next visit the reserve. It will also come in handy on the Fantastic Fire event when a feast will be cooked up on an open fire.

The new gadget was covered in ash while the team continued with more work, this time on the woodland walkways which were in need of repair.

All in all a productive and fun day, and in case you were wondering, the potatoes came out a treat!