First visit to the Orchard site

The orchard site looking west(ish)Inspired by Pip's email the other day Helen and I took the kids for a winter walk up to the orchard site earlier today. It was the first time I've ever been there, so had to get directions from Pip. It turns out we live quite close - just the other side of Rotcher Wood - so I'm hopeful of frequent future visits.

As Pip noted in his post I too was struck by the place. A lovely spot. Great views both across the valley to Lingards and the chapel building there, and also up the valley towards Marsden. It will be a fantastic place to spend some time, especially as the weather improves. I'll try and get back there soon and actually do some work rather than just taking photos.

We walked to the site from the turning circle at the end of Howgate Road. The path, and the site itself, was icy, wet and muddy, so the children certainly seemed to enjoy it. Pip introduced me to John (Jon?) who was working with him to progress the construction of the protective fences around the young trees to stop the local wildlife from destroying them.

Pip is a great hands-on kind of a person (which I've never really been myself, and admire in others), so I guess this type of project is right up his street. I am certainly very impressed, and judging by this first visit the orchard should be a great success and a real asset to the local community. 

John (on the left) and the mighty Pipster