What does it mean to work in the forest? What do we gain from our endeavour? For the last couple of years, we have, as part of our Winter work, been busy down in the woods transforming the mature Spruce plantation into a native broadleaf woodland – creating greater habitat and a richer ecological environment than what is in situ.
The woodland presents a challenging working environment. And, as with all challenges, we are provided with the opportunity for growth. The challenge of responsibility meets us at the beginning of our story, for during felling, reliable banksmen are required. To fell the trees safely, it is vital to know when, and how, to let people through and when to stop them. The team is well drilled in the protocols necessary, and some thrive with the responsibility which this task offers. When a large tree is felled in a woodland, it stirs and accesses a primal part of us. It is an opportunity which very few people experience and one which, when placed within context, profoundly enriches us and demands presence.
Of course, it is not all about knocking trees over. The material on the ground now requires processing. And here we meet another challenge: one of mobility. The woodland floor is rife with obstacles and trip-hazards. But yet, it is here that the team have grown the most. It has gifted them fortitude, resilience and built confidence.
Branches are both chipped and become the woodland path floor and branches that are woven into a dead hedge – the purpose of deterring deer from feasting on the saplings that we planted and attracting all sorts of insect life, which in turn invites the birds. Firewood production: a task which provides warmth to the community through the Winter months, but also develops confidence and endurance in the team, for splitting wood with an axe demands focus and nurtures observational skills – one learns exactly where to hit the log for it to split, teaching one economy of movement. It is an art! As well as furnishing the joinery with planks, milling also gave opportunity to produce rustic benches. The team threw themselves into debarking the logs and with the use of gouges create crude mortise and tenon jointing. New skills! And all of this material requires extracting from the forest – a rugged task of endurance.
The team are also exposed to responsible forest management methods. Working section at a time and replanting as we move steadily through the wood. All the while we can compare and contrast the areas we have worked and have yet to work – it all lends context, purpose and meaning to what is happening. The care of the saplings we, as team, planted cultivates pride in one’s work. It is connected to something much greater than oneself. We have even liberated a semi-mature Oak tree which was struggling for light because of the Spruce. We have secured light for this Oak and are monitoring it as a team to see how it fairs. What could be more meaningful than working in, what some may see as, a hostile environment. And with support, overcoming challenges and helping shape and transform the environment in a positive manner which future generations will benefit and enjoy.