Field Notes: Aspen glow and poetry from Glenlude

Glenlude manager Karen Purvis reports on the latest work to transform the land we look after in the Scottish Borders

Since clearing the timber from the north side of Glenlude at the beginning of September, using logging horses, our regular volunteers have been working hard to complete three brash hedges. Once they've been planted with broadleaved native species, they will become an extension of the now established Phoenix Forest.

In early October we put the finishing touches to the first of those hedges and after constructing a gate out of spruce boughs, recycled ryelock fencing and some chicken wire, we moved on the final task – planting 150 aspen saplings into the now gated enclosure.

The sun shone down on us, warming out backs and making us smile as we planted the young trees firmly into the earth.  It was a good day to be working in nature.

Regular Glenlude conservation volunteer Enid Forsyth was with us that day and on returning home penned a beautiful poem about her experience.

A Defining Day

Brash-hedged and
Bristling with young
Aspens, is the north-east
of a Borders hill

Through larches
Went the young trees:
An autumn processional
Beating a definite rhythm

Hedge gaps were filled
Under haloed sunshine.
A prelude to the
Land’s future

Then the planting:
Gentle but firm,
Creating a mosaic in this
Hallowed space

To seed the future,
Haws and rowans were
Gathered - continuing
The cycle of life

And at days end,
Chantered notes rang
Through the trees.
In celebration

© Enid Forsyth, 8 October 2020

• Huge thanks to our funders the SUEZ Communities Trust and AEB Charitable Trust for enabling us to create this upland birch wood, contributing towards the Trust’s vision to rewild Glenlude.