Well, I think we all saw a bit much of Blackford Hill last week, being there both Tuesday and Thursday (I did anyway!)! But the steps are really looking good now and this is heartily confirmed by (dog) walkers!
On Tuesday there was some *light* nettle weeding as an alternative to step building; and there was a suprising rush for the slashers and grass hooks after the site briefing!
Back at Polkemmet on Wednesday, where we met the Stirling BTCV bunch – apparently doing the same task as we were! Which, incidently, was beech and sycamore removal; although this time next to the enterance (so people wouldn’t miss the ‘Welcome to Polkemmet’ sign – or whatever). So it was nice to be in sight of the carpark rather than in the midst of a midge-infested forest. And, since speaking of midges, they remained unnoticed…in the presence of midge repellent! Mwahhahaha!
Anyhow, there was a nice park for playing frisbee in. By lunchtime although we had practically finished the task, we were joined by some young people from the Royal Edinburgh, so we gave up our tools and let them have a go.
Thursday = Blackford Hill + Steps. And some pretty awful weather. Which thakfully went away in the afternoon. Something not yet encountered at Blackford Hill: Frog Swarms! Tiny little frogs leaving the pond in great numbers and heading…up the hill (?!) and onwards. It made crossing the path tricky, particulary with the wheelbarrows!
The ducks had a solution.
Or rather, the ducks were the solution.
To view photos of past and present project and our volunteers in action please follow this link http://picasaweb.google.com/BTCV.Edinburgh