docsquid Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 We have owned some land for two years now. It was really neglected and we had to do a lot of work to clear masses of old barbed wire, huge areas of bramble and put in paths, clear bramble from around saplings and do other wildlife-related things. We have put in six ponds, and planted some areas of wildflower meadow. It has been hard work, but we thought worth it. We have a planning application in for some coppicing work to be done, because the land is protected by a tree preservation order. Yesterday the county forestry officer made an unscheduled visit to the land. We took him round, he seemed pleased and said he had no problems with our plans, it all sounded really good. He asked us a technical question about coppicing which I appeared to answer correctly, so I guess he was testing our knowledge. When he left he said "Really excellent, keep up the good work". It is so lovely to receive such a pat on the back. Particularly from somebody who really knows, and loves, his trees. It is particularly lovely for DH who has put in so much hard work - I do the softer, wildlife-related things although get my back into the hard work too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 How lovely! I would love to own some land. It must be immensely thrilling to turn something that was awful into something wonderful. And to have a professional say how well you are doing must just be the icing on the cake. Well done to you and your OH! I think some photos are in order now, just so we can judge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 That's lovely news Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted November 5, 2009 Author Share Posted November 5, 2009 OK - here are the photos. This is what part of the land looks like now This is what the awful brambles looked like - they were everywhere This is what we had to deal with making just one of the new paths This is DH driving the tractor to make the new path through the undergrowth shown above There is 11 acres, not all of it like this, but we have had to do a huge amount of work to transform it. It is nice to get it appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 Wow, what a lot of very hard work you have both put into it. The land looks beautiful now so you more than deserve a pat on the back . Well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 Oh my word It looks wonderful, well done I am sooooooooo I see you are in Tamworth. Now what is it that goes with Tamworth PPPPP No I can't think, what is it ........... PIGS Oh you could have little ginger piggies running around in it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 That looks divine docsquid I know a (Buddhist) tree surgeon who would love that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 Wonderful Docsquid . Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henriette Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 How blissful! What a courageous effort to have created such a haven for wildlife. Congratulations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 It looks fantastic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 Wow, how totally worthwhile all your efforts have been - well done! I adore woodlands - they are just so peaceful & harmonious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 I love woodland too. I grew up on a stately hoe estate and our house was in the middle of a wood. I always feel a lovely sense of peace amongst trees. Well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 I was reading your blog the other day. It sounds like an enormous amount of work, but at the same time hugely satisfying. Well done for acheiving so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickweed Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 Amazing. I'm full of admiration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted November 6, 2009 Share Posted November 6, 2009 Wow! that is wonderful, well done That's something I wish we had but all our trees were on the boundaries - we have planted over 150 trees but we will probably never get to see them look like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted November 6, 2009 Share Posted November 6, 2009 Wow! that is wonderful, well done That's something I wish we had but all our trees were on the boundaries - we have planted over 150 trees but we will probably never get to see them look like that. But your great great grandchildren will, and what a legacy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...