Last night Evan, Lewis and Will treated us with a delicious chilli, enjoyed by all except for Lewis. Some minor tampering with chilli powder ended in excessive sweating, tears and for the first time our resident hoover was defeated. After dinner we tuned in for our regular 9 o'clock film with #banter spilled galore.
Todays task involved the clearance of the dreaded Rhododenron Ponticum. On our way to the clearance site we walked through the grounds of Brodick Castle, where we had chance to add to our bird record that has been accumalating throughout the residential. We spotted Ravens, Kestrels, Goldfinches and Swallows just to name a few. Alonside bird spotting we debated the moral intent of William Wallace, the origin of the monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) and quadbikes vs. mules.
On arrival at the clearance site we met up with Jenny, a Ranger working for National Trust For Scotland. She explained the problem of the invasive Rhododendron Ponticum is that it's high density foliage blocks sunlight from reaching the forest floor, thus inhibiting other plants or shrubs from developing. Armed with bow saws and loppers we set out to reclaim the land. With each branch fall came a hey-hey, much to the leaders delight. However it was not all plain sailing today, monsoon-like weather drenched us through morning and afternoon but the sun came out in time to enjoy some marshmellows over the fire.
All in all we had great day, good upper body work out alongside some important local conservation work with a splash of #banter. Your bloggers today have been Simon and James.
All in all we had great day, good upper body work out alongside some important local conservation work with a splash of #banter. Your bloggers today have been Simon and James.
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