Ode to Volunteering
The Monday group is back at base
The Tuesday’s, set a cracking pace.
The Wednesday gang are full of fun
Thursday’s like to get work done.
On Friday we’ve no group as yet –
So see you next week – don’t forget!
We seem to have everything completed on time this week – so this blog will be out early – for once!
On Tuesday we were at Polkemmet (again); still clearing out the pond – ‘making the pond look more like a pond’ according to the task description. At least you can actually see there is an island there these days – a great comparison to the first time we went!
So we doned wellies and waders and set off. Last week’s group had made a really good start on cutting back the vegetation and removing the mud from around the circumference of the island – and we continued on with that.
Much fun was had in the mud – nobody stayed clean for long!
For lunch, we were joined by the Stirling group – who had kindly provided a BBQ. This was greatly appreciated as it was quite a cold day!
Back to the mud in the afternoon – whereby we finally managed to clean all the way round the island. It is now possible to circumnavigate the island – in a boat – providing the boat you use is about 30cm across.
Wednesday saw us back at Corstorphine Hill (no. not spiraea). Vegetation cut-back, path clearing and gate painting – all accompanied by awful jokes.
The gate painting was made all the more fun by not having enough brushes – so, sadly, not everyone got a go. We also couldn’t find the ‘wet paint’ sign from last week – so we improvised, taking advantage of the first aid kit.
In the afternoon we all took a small ‘wander’ up to the top of the hill – observing trees, plants and fungi along the way. Some of the latter were tested by Tim – and there is no sign of him a day later so maybe they weren’t edible… ooops.
Today we were back at Donkey Field Orchard. Unfortunately the holes which had been ‘perfect’ when we left last week, we not anymore and had to be dug down several layers. Eventually, all the posts were level, in line and in the right place and so could be concreted in.
Pat and Pam finished their excellent gate and hung it up – complete with slats (on one side). ‘Painting’ the wood came next – slightly difficult as the trees and bushes became a bit too close (to the extent that some of them may now be classed as ‘evergreen’); and everybody wanted a shot – but fortunately (hopefully, at any rate) nobody went home with green hair.
Thanks to Rob, Avril, Sarah and Neil, people can now reach the plots and gain acces via the paths.
Interestingly enough, everywhere we have been this week – we have been accompanied by a small robin, taking advantage of our digging. Can’t guarantee it is the same robin…but still…
To view photos of past and present projects and our volunteers in action please click here