Land Manager's Diary: Read it here>

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On a freezing cold but crisp and sunny Wednesday, we were very excited to be joined at High Borrowdale by our regular volunteers, but also staff from the Olive Tree Brasserie group. Through their customers in their restaurants, they are helping raise money to help us with our work at High Borrowdale, especially the plug planting and the tree planting. Some of the staff joined us yesterday to help with the start of this season’s tree planting.

It was great to show them the land and all that we have achieved and brilliant to see the wow factor on their faces as we ventured down the valley and then got stuck into tree planting. As the sun dipped below the hill around lunchtime, the temperatures dropped but spirits were soaring like the buzzards above us.

Mary from the Olive Tree Brasserie had this to say: 

"Yesterday the Olive Tree Brasseries head office team excitedly set off on a mission to plant some trees! It was an icey start with temperatures of minus three but the team soon warmed up as the sun shone brightly over the hills, showcasing the stunning scenery.

"Welcomed with Jan's interesting insights on the local history and a quick recap of our old geography lessons we were soon at the base. Feeling festive we indulged in a quick mince pie before getting our hands dirty. We don't know what was in those mince pies but they made us feel pretty mighty. Maybe a little too mighty since two mallets did not quite survive our initial enthusiasm.

"Once we'd got into the swing of it, the real magic happened. We planted some trees! Armed with our new knowledge and know-how, we can't wait to come back and do it all again in the new year!"

As the sun dipped below the hill around lunchtime, the temperatures dropped but spirits were soaring like the buzzards above us.

Next week we are joined by children from Sedbergh School for another memorable day. We so appreciate all the help that our supporters give us. The last workparty of the year is next week walling at Mazonwath, mince pies will be a must….