The Low Barns Volunteer Task Force http://dwt.fotopic.net/ 22 rows en-gb 60 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Sat 21st Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1783478.html A wonderful turn out for a saturday task as we returned for the last time this week to the Fell. We started a new fire site and managed without the help of hot ashes to get a blazing fire going. We could not see much in the thick fog but plenty of gorse was cut and treated. Most of the day was spent in heavy rain and everyone was glad at lunch time to eat their baked potatoes. Saturday 21 November 2009: A wonderful turn out for a saturday task as we returned for the last time this week to the Fell. We started a new fire site and managed without the help of hot ashes to get a blazing fire going. We could not see much in the thick fog but plenty of gorse was cut and treated. Most of the day was spent in heavy rain and everyone was glad at lunch time to eat their baked potatoes.

Pooch thinking if any other vols will turn up Hannah and Eleanor working hard Stu with his loppers New vols Andrew and Caleb Get more on it Pooch Tango man working hard Andrew Attempting to cut down a large Scotts pine in the rain Hannah feeding the fire A rain drenched Eleanor Mud splatterd Eleanor Pyromaniacs united

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]]> Sat Nov 21 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Fri 20th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1783208.html Another day cutting and burning gorse and hawthorn up on a wet and windy Fell. Many thanks to everyone who survived the morning drenching to do a sterling days work. Friday 20 November 2009: Another day cutting and burning gorse and hawthorn up on a wet and windy Fell. Many thanks to everyone who survived the morning drenching to do a sterling days work.

Thumbs up from Emma Mark sawing with Dennys and Chris Nichola looking windswept Stu Mark,Patrick,Dennys and Norman enjoy lunch There is a fire in that smoke Norman happy to be cutting stuff down Stu trying to hide in the gorse The dying embers of the day Is it David Bailey? No it's Norman

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]]> Fri Nov 20 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Thu 19th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1782894.html With rotten weather and a bag full of spuds we started day 3 on the Fell this week. Yet more cutting, burning and treating of stumps. With the high winds the fire at times was a bit temperamental but we persevered and burnt masses. Thank you to all who braved the elements and we hope you enjoyed your potatoes. Thursday 19 November 2009: With rotten weather and a bag full of spuds we started day 3 on the Fell this week. Yet more cutting, burning and treating of stumps. With the high winds the fire at times was a bit temperamental but we persevered and burnt masses. Thank you to all who braved the elements and we hope you enjoyed your potatoes.

Peter Mark dragging gorse Thats a very mischievous look Emma Smudger does not like the rain in his face A very atmospheric Fell in the rain Colin on the super quad Is this close enough Craig The moment before the beast attacked At last its blazing Chris trying to avoid the smoke Stuart our reserves warden for Stanley Moss helping out today Gareth attacking a large tree Pooch destroying gorse What a quadmire The fire and chris from down the hill

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]]> Thu Nov 19 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Wed 18th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1782607.html Another day on the Fell cutting and removing small trees and gorse. Many thanks to the team of volunteers who braved the floods to get there. Wednesday 18 November 2009: Another day on the Fell cutting and removing small trees and gorse. Many thanks to the team of volunteers who braved the floods to get there.

Oh dear more flooding Rob and Mick cutting up trees H must be thirsty! Stu (half camouflaged) Hels chucking some gorse on the fire Chris,Stu and Gareth cutting gorse A nice fire going Coli G Letting the blaze die down Rob tending the fire

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]]> Wed Nov 18 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Tue 17th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1782280.html The start of this weeks task on the Fell got underway with a brilliant Tuesday team. We had a new volunteer Andrew join us and we welcomed the return of Dale. As usual it was cutting, quading and burning of Hawthorn, with the addition now of Gorse. Tuesday 17 November 2009: The start of this weeks task on the Fell got underway with a brilliant Tuesday team. We had a new volunteer Andrew join us and we welcomed the return of Dale. As usual it was cutting, quading and burning of Hawthorn, with the addition now of Gorse.

Gillian cutting gorse up Trevor and Cat Gareth and Chris tackling a tree Trevor and Cat after lunch Rodney about to start stump treating Gillian unstrapping the strops Gillian and a very smiley Trevor Rodney, Gillian and Dale Chris and Gareth tying up ready for the quad

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]]> Tue Nov 17 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Fri 13th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1780374.html The last day (for this week!) cutting and burning trees and gorse. Next week we will be spending 5 whole days doing the same!! Friday 13 November 2009: The last day (for this week!) cutting and burning trees and gorse. Next week we will be spending 5 whole days doing the same!!

Gareth shoulders the burden of some gorse Dennys and Trevor send smoke signals Nicola dragging hawthorn to the fire site Norman the human Stihl saw Chris dragging gorse followed by Pete and Dave doing likewise Stu standing out!! Chris with a giant toastie Lunch round a roaring fire Chris and Norman removing gorse Chris, Stu and Peter in the gorse dragging relay Where did all that gorse go?

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]]> Fri Nov 13 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Thu 12th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1779885.html In wonderful autumn sunshine we had another fire and small tree felling session on the Fell. A good turn out for a Thursday with a welcome return of Trevor. Thursday 12 November 2009: In wonderful autumn sunshine we had another fire and small tree felling session on the Fell. A good turn out for a Thursday with a welcome return of Trevor.

Trevor starting the fire Mark on the loppers New Vol Chris Helen throwing something Mark, Trevor and Cat Peter and Pooch loading up the quad Trevor needs to stop giving Helen Coffee Lunch time Cool action shot

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]]> Thu Nov 12 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Wed 11th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1779485.html More scattered tree removal up on the Fell today. A fantastic turn out by the trusty volunteers and a big up to Helen on her first day on the quad. Wednesday 11 November 2009: More scattered tree removal up on the Fell today. A fantastic turn out by the trusty volunteers and a big up to Helen on her first day on the quad.

Gillian and Dennys getting the fire going Helen with her new toy Chris and Patrick tying trees on for Hels Trying to avoid smoke at lunchtime Gillian and Rodney Stu the beacon Gareth and Scott Patrick lopping a hawthorn Dennys saws while Stu drags another tree off to the fire Dennys still sawing Brash piled high on the fire End of the day

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]]> Wed Nov 11 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Tue 10th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1779137.html Another day on the Fell removing small trees and having a fire. Today’s fire was fab and at one point it took five of us just to keep it fed, as it was burning wood that quickly (according to Helen and a few paid off volunteers!). Tuesday 10 November 2009: Another day on the Fell removing small trees and having a fire. Today_s fire was fab and at one point it took five of us just to keep it fed, as it was burning wood that quickly (according to Helen and a few paid off volunteers!).

The start of our great fire Stu and Davy feeding and preparing the wood Brigette feeding the fire Stu all aglow Brigitte hauling wood Full blaze Cat sawing Cat sawing again Fungi or two The fire dying down

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]]> Tue Nov 10 2009 Burnhope Reservoir: Small Tree Felling (Sat 7th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1777875.html A small Sat Team out today felling small trees on an important grassland site. Small is the appropriate word today! Come on Sat Team where have you all gone? :) Saturday 7 November 2009: A small Sat Team out today felling small trees on an important grassland site. Small is the appropriate word today! Come on Sat Team where have you all gone? :)

Ray (welcome back!) and Joe Joice That looks like Dougies Millionaire's Shortbread!? It is! Sue's new trailor! Joe Bagging tree shelters It wasnt that bad was it!?

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]]> Sat Nov 7 2009 Low Barns: Reedbed Management & <B>Sharon's BBQ</B> (Fri 6th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1777328.html A brief session on scrub control around the margins of the reedbeds at Low Barns then BBQ time for Shazza's send off! We then finished the day off with sparklers! Friday 6 November 2009: A brief session on scrub control around the margins of the reedbeds at Low Barns then BBQ time for Shazza's send off! We then finished the day off with sparklers!

Craig waves a couple of canes about Craig gets excited about canes Craig explains what happened when he went swimming in the sea while on holiday on Mull David's holiday was in Germany, where the water was a bit warmer a likely story! Autumnal Silver Birch leaf David and Mel drag the scub off-site Its the boss doing the talk today Welcome back Percy! Mark Mels bum Rodney Some of the group Tool Count What is dougie doing thats making Mel laugh Daved pulling a funny face again Dougie looks impressed Mel feeds some Millionaire's Shortbread to Mark Craig is MC Sharon thanks her fans That's a Good Book There's a few packed lunches in there Shazza! Norman gets to grips with the Millionaire's Shortbread Norman tries some Millionaire's Shortbread Start of the BBQ people getting their fodder Whats Craig doing now BBQ overview Starting the presentation Speech time Craig showing Sharon how to ride the quad More speech Sharon giving her speech Sharon unwrapping her prezzies Sharon with her new gloves Lovely new book Sharon opening her card Oooooh! thats nice More eating A close up of Sharon More eating Must be time for Dougies shortbread again Mark, Helen and Nic Norman and Sue Dennys, Steve and Rob Stu, Davey, Bridgitte Rodney and Gillian Mark, Sue and Norman Lisa Recovering from all that food

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]]> Fri Nov 6 2009 Derwent Reservoir: Wetland Management (Thu 5th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1777013.html Another trip up to Derwent Reservoir to help Sue with some wetland management, on a beautiful November day. Thursday 5 November 2009: Another trip up to Derwent Reservoir to help Sue with some wetland management, on a beautiful November day.

Getting started with the raking Sue giving her snake impression!!! Brigette & David New volunteer Gareth Sue and Peter at lunch Cat Stu, Gareth, David and Brigette relaxing in the sun Sue and Peter Cat filling a dumpy sack with boggy rushes! The team hard at it Gareth and Stu building the compost mountain Ear, ear - should you be messing about up there!

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]]> Thu Nov 5 2009 Low Barns: Reedbed Management (Wed 4th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1776666.html Today we once again returned to the Wild Wetlands reed beds to continue removing Typha. We concentrated on three areas and managed to remove loads with the compact but hard working team. At times we were not sure if it was wetter in the water or on dry land due to the changeable weather. Wednesday 4 November 2009: Today we once again returned to the Wild Wetlands reed beds to continue removing Typha. We concentrated on three areas and managed to remove loads with the compact but hard working team. At times we were not sure if it was wetter in the water or on dry land due to the changeable weather.

That is Stu in the stew Stu and Kate pulling Typha Chris Dennys Norman and Stu Most of the team New Volunteers Patrick Ye ha we have a new broom at last Mick

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]]> Wed Nov 4 2009 Hylton Dene: Litter Pick (Tue 3rd Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1776354.html Today the Tuesday task force drove off into the unknown to Hylton Castle and Dene. We were helping Morris to litter pick various sites, then we had a wonderful private tour in the castle. Hylton castle belonged to the Hilton/Hylton family up untill 350yrs ago. It then had various occupiers including the National Coal Board who used it for storage until 1950. English Heritage is now responsable for the castle. Tuesday 3 November 2009: Today the Tuesday task force drove off into the unknown to Hylton Castle and Dene. We were helping Morris to litter pick various sites, then we had a wonderful private tour in the castle. Hylton castle belonged to the Hilton/Hylton family up untill 350yrs ago. It then had various occupiers including the National Coal Board who used it for storage until 1950. English Heritage is now responsable for the castle.

Morris telling us about the site Peter it really is too small for you Cat carrying rubbish Trailer of rubbish Shopping trolly fishing Nearly out Scott happy with the trolly Litter picking a bankside Chucking the bags in Hylton Castle On the way in Morris telling us some history Group Photo

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]]> Tue Nov 3 2009 Sharon's Best Bits http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1775678.html Sharon aka Shazza is off to work on the dark side - a consultancy! However, by the looks of it she will be doing the same stuff (burning, cutting, pulling, loppering and generally more of the fun stuff!)...just this time she will be getting paid. Farewell Shazza and see you next at the volunteer xmas BBQ at Low Barns! Sunday 8 November 2009: Sharon aka Shazza is off to work on the dark side - a consultancy! However, by the looks of it she will be doing the same stuff (burning, cutting, pulling, loppering and generally more of the fun stuff!)...just this time she will be getting paid. Farewell Shazza and see you next at the volunteer xmas BBQ at Low Barns!

Steady Eddie Sharon and Dave Litter picking at Hedleyhope Fell At rest with Lisa and Norman Yes another bum shot! She never stopped More trees vicar Suit you sir Juniper maintenance on the Fell Sharon and Colin at Stanley Moss Not the best image but what strength she had! Charcoal production at Baal Hill See was good for something Dirty girl Sharon She 'loved' raking Her dad came in handy from time to time Cutting grass Cross-cutting Into the Wild Between trees Shazza on the quad

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]]> Sun Nov 8 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Fri 30th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1774510.html Todays team of volunteers visited Hedleyhope Fell to remove and burn the previously felled trees. With the help of Shazza on the quad they made good progress. Friday 30 October 2009: Todays team of volunteers visited Hedleyhope Fell to remove and burn the previously felled trees. With the help of Shazza on the quad they made good progress.

The fire is getting started Stu and Rob preparing fuel for the fire Hello Mark Sharon the quad lady Its stuck in the ground Shaz It's free Oops, it's stuck again Stu drags a tree Is it stuck again Shaz Pete and Dave Chris

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]]> Fri Oct 30 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Thu 29th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1774196.html Work continued today on the Fell cutting and BURNING the scattered trees. The team made fantastic progress and got a load of the backlog burnt. Thursday 29 October 2009: Work continued today on the Fell cutting and BURNING the scattered trees. The team made fantastic progress and got a load of the backlog burnt.

Sharon and Emma giving the morning chat Everyone listening intently Stu lopping a tree to pieces New vol Peter dragging a tree to the fire Peter with sticks Mark dragging a tree Brigitte loading the fire A very happy Emme Davy and Brigitte feeding the fire Peter trying to keep away from the heat Mark dragging another tree The fire dying down while more wood is prepared for tomorrow Raking the prepared wood away from the fire

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]]> Thu Oct 29 2009 Rainton Meadows: Bird Ringing Training Day (Wed 28th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1773850.html Both the Rainton and Low Barns teams met today at Rainton Meadows to learn about the value of bird ringing for ornithological conservation. A big thank you to Martin Hughes for leading the day. Wednesday 28 October 2009: Both the Rainton and Low Barns teams met today at Rainton Meadows to learn about the value of bird ringing for ornithological conservation. A big thank you to Martin Hughes for leading the day.

Lisa doing the introduction Martin with the first catch of the day, a song thrush Big mouth!! Flying away too fast to catch!! A blackbird Attaching an identification ring Writing down the all important information Measuring the wing length No he's not trying to suffocate it, placing into a cone ready for weighing Mark Simpson about to release the blackbird Nick (with something in his eye!), Rodney, Gillian and Janice A captive audience Not sure what was being said here! Checking one of the mist nets Lisa modelling a swan identification ring If you look carefully there is a bird there! There is a mist net there and there were quite alot of birds trapped, honest! Blowing on the feathers Checking the weight A long tailed tit A long tailed tit A dunnock Stu about to release a blue tit A blue tit A wren A willow tit A reed bunting king fisher

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]]> Wed Oct 28 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Rush Cutting (Tue 27th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1773423.html A small Tuesday team started work on one of the areas identified for reintroducing the SPBF butterfly. In the fog and murkiness we managed to strim and rake an area of rushes to improve habitat conditions for the butterfly. Tuesday 27 October 2009: A small Tuesday team started work on one of the areas identified for reintroducing the SPBF butterfly. In the fog and murkiness we managed to strim and rake an area of rushes to improve habitat conditions for the butterfly.

Emma giving the talk in the fog New Vols Davy and Brigitte Colin, Davy and Stu filling the dumpy sacks Happy Stu Brigitte and Davy Brigitte raking Plenty still to rake Figures in the fog Colin Raking in a line Emma, Davy and Stu More figures in the fog Stu and Peter

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]]> Tue Oct 27 2009 Low Barns: Scrub Management (Sat 24th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1771986.html On a very wet and yucky day Durham ConSoc joined the regular volunteers to remove willow from in front of the North hide at Low Barns. Saturday 24 October 2009: On a very wet and yucky day Durham ConSoc joined the regular volunteers to remove willow from in front of the North hide at Low Barns.

First big tree removed Our large group of vols hard at work What is it with boys and big trees Cane planting Getting close to the waters edge Work stops for frog ident Getting their backs into the task More cane planting View of north hide Group photo Joe flattening the brash pile Peter treating stumps End result

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]]> Sat Oct 24 2009 Malton: Scrub Management (Fri 23rd Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1771662.html Today a small but perfectly formed team visited Malton to remove birch which had seeded in the grassland and heathland habitats on site. Friday 23 October 2009: Today a small but perfectly formed team visited Malton to remove birch which had seeded in the grassland and heathland habitats on site.

Before, scrub birch popping up allover More scrub birch among the heather and grass Mark,Nicola, Mark, David and some levitating gloves The task begins Colin and Rob Welcome to our new volunteer Mark David Whats down the hole Scott? Mark lops some gorse David lops a birch This may be Nicola or Cousin It Colin and Rob preparing a strimmer Another Rob strimming The sun comes out for lunch David and Scott raking the meadow Rob lopping birch in a ditch Scott lopping birch Another birch meets its maker at the hands of David The Heather scrub free of birch

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]]> Fri Oct 23 2009 Craig's Favourites (Loads of Sites and Dates) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1771558.html From time to time I do this. A small selection of some of the best pics (that I could find!). Friday 23 October 2009: From time to time I do this. A small selection of some of the best pics (that I could find!).

Becky on a boat Trench digging at Hedleyhope Fell The gils litter picking Tree planting at Low Barns Cement mixing Trever and Becky Fire Pile Driving Heather planting Emma on the quad Chris Emma cooling off! Group shot The Rakers Bridge Finished

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]]> Fri Oct 23 2009