Dundreggan pics…

So, myself and Calum have been staying in the cottage at Dundreggan, and planting the trees left over from the spring work weeks.  The planting site is high up, over-looking the only coniferous plantation on the estate.  The views are superb, with large Munro’s to the West and the wide rolling Glen of Moriston below and to the East.

Steve, the Dundreggan project manager, has tried to make planting as easy as possible, ensuring that there are plenty of prepared areas of ground within the fenced exclosure (to keep out deer).  As a result I put in 500 to 600 trees a day, and am glad that myself and Calum have been given the opportunity to ensure that the trees get the best possible start in life, rather than the job being given to an external contractor.

On Monday I walked up to see the pigs.  I can’t remember having seen them since I stayed here at the end of last year.  Unfortunately, there are two less little ones than when I last saw them, due to a combination of infection and some extraordinary cold weather over the winter.  But the two remaining little ones are now not so little.  In fact they’ve grown so much, they all look fantastic.

After seeing the wild boar I continue up Binnilidh Bheag, before running down from the top to the cottage.  This I manage in under 9 minutes.  I was hoping to do it in 4 – probably not achievable without killing myself.

Evenings are spent eating with Calum, Tim (a Belgian long term volunteer) and, for a couple of days, Willie, Calum’s Dad.  Tim introduces us to a very cool looking Belgian desert.  It turns out to be custard.  Excellent.