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There's been a lot of activity in the village in the last ten days

as the owners of two neighbouring fields start on a mammoth task of planting 3000 young trees.

It is all hands to the spade for them and on Saturday, the air rang to the sound of multiple mallets and people hard at work.

Let's set the scene first . . . it is rather grey and rather cold . . . but these still photos give little idea of the strong winds that are blowing.

Storm Ciara has left a covering of snow on the high fells, but fortunately the wintery showers that reached valley level were quick to melt.

No snow but lots of snowdrops as the first flowers of Spring make an appearance.

In our garden, last years plants have expanded out into the lawn . . . no grass cutting at present so no problem.

As the snowdrops grow then the sprouts decrease (as we pick them to eat).

Hopefully last year's spinach has over-wintered and should give an early crop.

Although it has been cold recently, the generally warmer winter has brought out the daffodils a few weeks before March 1st.

Our paddock is still in winter hibernation but the bulbs are starting to show at least.

No signs of any wild flower on the bare patches . . . but then it really is a bit early for them.

- - - o o o - - -

And so to the changes that are going on in the village . . .

Two fields, the one behind the red Defibrillator Phone Box and the other behind the Vicarage

are being planted for enhanced wildlife, bio diversity and carbon capture.

The trees vary from traditional ash and oak woodland, Scots Pine and a selection of fruit trees such as damson, apples and walnut.

The new owners Joe and Anne- Marie (below), plus a helper Tom, have made a good start.

Anne-Marie lugs another bundle of protective tubes across the field.

After a busy but enjoyable day they gathered for a group photo.   

[ Their leader Jackie kindly offered me the use of her photos of the group.]

The tubes are not the most attractive . . . but just think about all that extra oxygen being created by the scheme !

Time passes and the pile of woodland supplies decreases as the number of post out in the field increases.

Today (12th) the picture has changed yet again as the hard work continues.

More on this story no doubt as time moves on.