950 bare root trees received from IDigTrees.
190 Hawthorn, 190 Hazel, 190 Blackthorn, 190 Dogwood, 190 Dog Rose Woodland tree planting at Lauriston Farm, filling gaps - downy birch, alder, walnut and hornbeam.
Quite a lot of tree protectors knocked over, so replaced the stakes. A 23-year-old tree planter from Quebec set a new world record by planting 23,060 trees in 24 hours. Antoine Moses says he can plant 16 trees per minute, or one every 3.75 seconds.
John got 15, Andrew got 50 to plant at Hillend Country Park, the rest at Lauriston Farm.
It's taken me 6 months to re-visit my wee trees at Hillend Country Park, in the hope that some of them might have survived being cut to the bone.
The answer to that was no, there were no survivors of the 200 trees cut down in the spring - destroying 2 full seasons of planting (and 3 or 4 years nurturing at the allotment prior to that). Even worse, the culprits have returned and cut down a further 300 older trees, despite them being secured with 5 foot stakes. That's destroyed 6 seasons of planting (and 3 or 4 years nurturing at the allotment prior to that). Again, they've just left the stakes and tree protectors scattered all over. So, when I might have expected to see a wee wood forming, it's bare hillside again - and the gorse that I cut is making a comeback, it'll soon take over again. All that work for nothing, and a betrayal of friends and local Scout groups who helped to make it happen. Who would do such a thing, when we are facing a climate emergency? Midlothian councillors approved a final business case for Destination Hillend in August last year, and work has now started. Midlothian Snowsports Centre will be redeveloped into a major multi-activity leisure, retail and tourist attraction offering: • A new zip line • A new Alpine Coaster • A new glamping complex • New fun slope (completed already) • Upgraded and modern facilities with enhanced snowsports storage. • A new café with full kitchen and ‘back of house’ provision • Fine dining • Outdoor seating • A retail unit • Increased car parking capacity (425 spaces) • An improved public road junction • A new soft play area • A new high rope activity • Enhanced and flexible children’s party rooms • A new function suite But this is the Country Park, not the Snowsports Centre. No discussion has been held with (or permission sought from) the Natural Heritage Officer, Pentland Hills Regional Park - who is responsible for the management of Hillend Country Park, designated the area and gave permission for me to plant. J'accuse. |
AuthorBob Glen Categories |