I arrived about 9.30 yesterday and after a period of almost three weeks, I couldn’t wait to get back. It was very warm and sunny and as I stepped out of the car and into the woods, the feeling of joy of being in my own woods was overwhelming. I set up my day camp and got the tools out ready and made a mug of coffee. This time I took a folding camping chair. I found that relying on a log to sit on discouraged me from relaxing and just enjoying the place without the constant urge to work. I had a short “reccie” around and found that, apart from a little more growth and more molehills, nothing much had changed. More birds were evident this time, they must like the sun too!

I had a list of little jobs to do and achieved about 75% of them. My daughter had given me a pot-grown hazel plant so planting that was top priority. How to find the right spot though? I know they are often grown under bigger trees to encourage light-seeking straight growth but until it gets established with new roots into the earth, I thought a more open spot where rain might reach it was a good idea. I found a nice spot close to my day camp, cleared area of weeds and planted it. I made a sort of brash hedge around it to discourage any browsing deer. My first planting in my new woods. A small toad appeared and try as I might to photograph it, it was too quick for me.

The bird nest box I installed last time seemed to catch too much sun so I moved that around to a better position. I had made three more boxes – one more for tits and two for wrens and robins. They need to be lower to the ground and well hidden so I fitted one to a small tree close by and stacked some deadwood around it. The other one I placed in a dense part of the sycamore stand. I’d bought some fatballs for the birds and hung those up in various areas. Next visit, I’ll see if any have been eaten.

More hacking at brambles to find my boundary posts was also the order of the day. I found several raspberry canes growing amongst it and was rewarded with a handful of ripe berries for my labour. I eventually tore myself away, hot and exhausted but a very satisfied man. Despite the hard work, my muscles feel remarkably ache-free today. Starting to get fitter?