Solo Day 8th February 2020.

We had had a gorgeous Solo day up in this (AONB) area of outstanding natural beauty in North Yorkshire. This Solo day was part of our efforts to improve local woodland planted a decade ago on the edges of the field surrounding the stone circle.

The day was started with a period of deep reflection and meditation, our chance to take in the local flora and fauna at this wonderful location, on the eve of storm Ciara.

The nature reserve was previously planted with oak, ash, holly and silver birch, larch, beech, and copper beech. When these were planted we fitted each with a Tubex tree guard for protection. These tree guards have played a large part in the successful growth of the trees.

The guard is a plastic tube fitted around the tree and this is 'whip' size (the whip is the name for it when it's still a young seedling) and held in place with a small stake and plastic ties. This can be seen on fresh plantations across the land and whilst tree planting can be seen as a valuable antidote to global warming and the survival of the planet although plastic disposal is still problematic.

The tree guard is designed to protect against local herbivores, such as sheep and deer, it stands in place to encourage the tree to grow a strong trunk before it branches out and provide an environment that helps the tree grow strong. This makes a massive difference in the tree's early years and if at any time you are planting woodland these guards were seen to be a must.

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Our solo day consisted of centering ourselves in nature through meditation and mindfully cutting the guards off, and removal of the plastic, since the trees are now established. 

The tree replacement level in the wood is minimal due to these guards, but if they were left on any longer they inhibit the tree's growth, this would have the opposite of their desired effect as the tree gets larger. Now that the trees are tall and strong, local wildlife on the nature reserve poses much less of a threat.

As the trees will be left to carry on growing for another couple of years we will then need to go in and cut the side branches off to encourage upward straight tree growth. Trees naturally grow more at the top, and so chopping off the lower branches encourages this upwards growth, creating trees that are tall and strong, not having to support lower down branches.

Would you like to be a Volunteer?

The next part of the project for ABC is to attract some volunteers to the site to help us put a path through and adjacent wood down to an old chestnut tree to help the wider community use it more and to help them understand the importance of conservation.

We aim long term to fundraise to build a treehouse for the site and all efforts would be greatly appreciated.

Dry January and Beyond. (2020.)

This January we at ABC are available to help you in this resolution and ask, could you do Dry January and extend to February too, as thousands of adults in the UK already take part in Dry January.

Starting on the first day of the month, participants vow to go 31 days without alcohol as a resolution that has been previously endorsed by Cancer Research UK and Alcohol Change UK.

ABC provides a great space to come and have some time out to discuss with you an extension to this as a concept.

Why not?

Reasons for taking part have been documented, with people focussing on the health benefits, including weight loss, decreased risk of diseases including cancer and improvements to mental health. But what about an extension is it worth it? 

Could I do it?

Yes, you could do it. You could easily calculate the calories and money you could be saving, as well as monitor your year-round drinking habits by starting with an extra month as well as placing yourself in the mindset of people who have abstained due to dependency issues.

Tips for those who need a little help staying on the wagon include going on long walks, taking up a hobby or trying a non-alcoholic version of your favourite drink or try cleaning and washing up to keep extra busy. 

Is it really worth it?

The benefits of Dry January are the subject of an ongoing debate among doctors and scientists as recent reports are from Alcohol Change UK who report that in 2018, “88% of participants saved money, 71% had better sleep and more energy, and 58% lost weight”.

Give it a go.

Call us on 07851448812 to book a consultation at our gatherings, to swap information and ideas, and to plan for the extra month and talk about your feelings, that such a challenge brings up.

We look forward to talking with you soon.