Getting Back To Your Roots

Tuesday – Howe Dean Path
On a cold and frosty beautiful morning we made our way to Howe Dean Path to do some much needed path work and trench digging. It was a two pair of gloves day but everyone cracked on with great enthusiasm. The path lay beneth a golf course and the run off could be great, see photo, which had been taken the week before!

We began to dig and remove debris from the trench that ran alongside the path to allow the run off water to flow freely. At the bottom of the slope a boardwalk was required so Anna and Neil cracked on putting this into place whilst the rest of us began to find the proper path again, hidden under years of debris. We discovered that when the path was first made it was edged with large rocks but they had been covered in soil over the years. We set about removing the original rocks then filling into raise the path slighly and re-edging so that path to try and prevent the path getting water logged. The end result was fantastic and the path looks amazing so well done to everyone and thanks for your hardwork on such a cold day!

On Wednesday we returned to North Bughtlin to carry on with vegetation cut back and bulb planting (they had unearthed some more bulbs from somewhere!). The day started with suprise for Anna, in the form of a police officer, and possibly the shortest conversation ever. After strong tea all round – work commenced. While the rest of the group went to cut ivy and brambles back from the bridge (and supposed flower beds); Tommy, Willie, Kevin and myself went litter-picking along the burn.

Unsuprisingly we found a knife, numerous (golf) balls, several scooters (which provided a lunchtime scrapheap challenge), a pair of cufflinks and an ancient For Sale sign.

After this was all bagged up (8 or so black bags full); bulb planting began. Crocuses, daffodills and something else which I’ve forgotton the name of.

After lunch, everybody got stuck into pulling out the vegetation – finding yet more golf balls, glass bottles and (rather randomly) a purple troll. Derek and I took it upon ourselves to try and remove an exceedingly large root system. Much bewailing the lack of bringing the right tools – in this case a small folding saw), and gnashing of teeth as we tried to cut up the roots with a spade. Success in the end – with Stuart’s help (and some advice, but no actual physical help from Alan).

Thursday was the ‘blustery day’ with promises of gales and storms and the like. Regardless we set off from Waverly Bridge to the Walled Garden at the Hermitage. The only noticable wind was a gust that sprung up when I was trying to pour the milk and it kept getting blown away! Work commenced, in the form of cutting back the vegetation from the garden. John was overseeing as usual, making sure everything was being done properly.

Pat decided it would be a good idea to try and remove a large tree trunk with the aid of a mattock. Success in the end. Tools were downed at 12.30, and after lunch we went to a talk by the rangers – about their plans for the walled garden project. Short trip back to town to drop everyone off, made entertaining by the wing mirror being blown off the van.

To see photos of past and present projects click here

Also we would like to tell you all that our Christmas night out is the 15 December at Mezz Bar on Broughton Street from 7.30pm, hope to see you there. Please wear some form of Christmas hat, ta.