Sometimes life throws up opportunities that just can’t be missed.  Whilst on my work week with Gordon (see previous entries), I received a call from the office explaining that they needed someone to stand in for one of the Focalisers on the following week at Plodda.  I wouldn’t normally work two weeks in a row, not only are the weeks physically demanding, but they can be emotionally so too.  However, in this case I would be working with Howard, who I trained with, and I would be back at Plodda for another week, a place I love being around.

Thanks to Howard’s energy and the enthusiasm of the group, I was carried through my more tired moments, and by the end of the week I was extremely disappointed to say goodbye to a fantastic group of people and our well formed community.

During the week we planted roughly 4000 trees in Glen Cannich.  We also spent one day in the tree nursery at Plodda under Jill’s guidance, transplanting trees, digging out and adding compost to beds, and potting out Aspen root cuttings.

There was amazing food (including a multiple course curry, and veggie burgers on another night), and another opportunity to get up to Loch An Eang, this time with Howard and Charlotte, on our day off.  Here are some photos, a link to more will follow…

Ok, link is now here.

The first of these pics were taken on the day off, the rest later in the week.

Here is a link to more photos, not published on the blog

So May has been a bit hectic, and I’ve a bit of catching up to do on here.  It all started with only my second work week of 2010.  This one was in a tried and tested Focalising combo with the legendary Gordon.  We were staying at Plodda and planting in Glen Cannich, with a couple of non-native weeding days at Glen Cougie.

Both sites offer incredible views of the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, and some excellent examples of ‘granny’ Scots Pine trees, and I found the drive to work each day incredibly inspiring.  There was a significant amount of birch regeneration on the way to Glen Cannich, and it looked like this could be happening in some parts of Glen Cougie too.  In Glen Cannich we planted just over 2000 trees, and in Glen Cougie we cleared a substantial area of non-native tree species (Spruce & Lodge Pole Pine).

This work was all thanks to 7 wonderful volunteers, some good weather and great food.  I also had an amazing walk to Loch An Eang (with Gordon and Alan) on our day off.

Here are some photos.  More will follow when I’ve an improved internet connection.

Here is a link to more photos, not published on the blog.

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.