Thursday 19th Jan
Falkland Rhodie Bash
The BTCV Fife team met the day with blinding sunshine, tea and a steely determination to wreak absolute havoc on the rhododendron nightmare that had unfolded over the last few months. The hostile species has caused untold amounts problems for the more submissive native plants. This is primarily caused by their thirst for growth and the dangerously acidic nature of their deadly leaves.
With saws and loppers the crew tore through the mischievous plants at an incredible pace. Despite the lovely sunshine, Fife gave the team yet another eye wateringly cold day. Not that it made a difference. Douglas was the man of the morning as he laid waste to the scores of bushes around the wood. Despite efforts from Chief David to hold him back, he shrugged off any restraints and did the work of two men in half the time. Later reports emerged of his forearm turning into a saw, but these were never confirmed although widely accepted as likely.
A cold lunch made for a brief one, as the team refuelled and prepared for round two. The weather took a turn for the worse as clouds rolled over head and let loose sheets of heavy snow. Second in command Amy took to “clearing bushes under the trees” despite a lack of the rhododendron species being located there. Steven managed to source a handy spare tyre which everyone agreed was a tremendous addition to the day. A special mention to Mike for his exceptional efforts, arguably on the most effective men the team has seen with a pair of loppers in months. Nice one.