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Years ago before I joined the RSPB I carried out a tree planting scheme in the fields around where I used to live. In particular the field behind my house. This field was actually a steep hillside affording wonderful panoramic view across the town to the hills and moors beyond. In Autumn I would walk my dog for miles and stuff my pockets with acorns as the oak tree offers more for wildlife than any other tree. When I came home I would plant these acorns in the field which someone had used for horses to roam around in so there was a ready made supply of horse droppings to give the acorns a head start when they started to grow That was some twenty five years ago and now that field is full of young oak trees. It`s too steep to build on and besides that there is no access except by ancient public footways.
One day an elderly lady neighbour was watching me and when I passed her house she asked me if I was spreading a little happiness. At first I didn`t understand what she meant til she told me that she had been watching me for weeks planting acorns.I was already feeling good with what I was doing but after talking to her I felt even better about my little subterfuge.
Since then I have collected wild flower seeds by the ton and kept them in old film containers which I get free from Boots photographic department. Every where I go walking I scatter some of the seeds in the hope that they not only brighten up a dull patch of waste grassy area but provide food and shelter for wildlife. I have scattered seeds on canal sides, river banks, field margins, the edges of woods and in the corners of parks that nobody bothers with and never get mown. In fact anywhere I think I can get away with it.
It`s a great feel good factor for me and it`s only a small thing to do but gives big rewards for our wonderful wildlife.
We are itinerant custudions for this wonderful planet we call Earth and we are only here, in reality, for the blink of an eye.
We can so easily destroy our habitat and we do, but, with a little effort we can all spread a little happiness which benefits every living thing on planet Earth.
Old man
Well done, it's great to see people taking such an interest, hope your oaks grow big and strong
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
"Mighty Oaks from little Acorns grow"
Pat Adams - Flickr - BLOG
Fantastic, Oldman. Keep up the good work!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Good for you!
Regards.
Thank you Johnboy, Clare, Northdevonfocus, JudiM and Doggie. You`ve all lifted my feel good factor a few more notches.
I`ve just remembered where there are some Teasels growing wild so i`ll pay them a visit with a plastic container and collect some seeds. I also know where I can scatter them.
I`m going to teach my grand children to collect seeds cos they really enjoy a country side walk.
When I finally depart planet Earth I hope it`s in the autumn so I can arrange to leave a handfull of acorns for each of my mourners to scatter around the country side. Better start collecting soon just in case !! LOL.
Ragards to you all,
Pat.