Yesterday was one of our last practical days at college before we switch to Botany. We stayed on Rosewarne campus this week which wasn't that bad as 1. we didn't have to put up with the crunky old mini-bus again and 2. the grounds of the college are as nice as a National Trust property as they get all the horticulture students helping out.
Our mission today was to turn the over grown boring grassy area into a pretty wild flower meadow by the summer. First we used strimmers to create bare patches of ground. The boys grabbed them 1st, no surprise there, so the girls were left planting the wild flower plugs - a shame as I like a bit of strimming!
As we were planting it started tipping down with rain. So the area quickly turned into a slippery mud bath, and by lunchtime we all looked like we'd just finished a commando assault course!
Whilst having lunch, one of the horticulture tutors came running over to us and asked if we would like to go on a frog rescue mission! Apparently a local couple phoned saying their pond was gong to be filled in and it was teeming with frogs. So it was decided to bring them to the college pond as otherwise a lot would be killed. A few people from our group helped out, I would've loved to help but unfortuntely I didn't have my wellies with me.
We then did some Hazel coppicing which I thought would be easy, after all it's only sawing the trunks down to near ground level. But no, it was a nightmare, and took me ages to do one tree when everyone else was on their 3rd. The saw kept getting stuck and the trunks were really close so I couldn't get my saw in between them. I blamed it on my left-handedness but it was probably just because I'm rubbish at it!
To finish the day off we went down the end of the campus and planted some Blackthorn trees to keep the yobs out (if they try to get in they'll get spiked to death)! That was almost impossible though as everywhere you dug there were massive pieces of granite in the way. I planted a few but it was hard work.
By the end of the day I was knackered. I can't wait for summer now, when (hopefully) all the wild flowers will spring up and attract lots of different wildlife.
P.S. The frog rescuers rescued around 75 frogs! They are now safe and happy in the college pond.
No comments:
Post a Comment