Tree seedlings, Bear Footprints and Mini-Dragons

Last weekend, we had an open planting day.

The first sunny one in ages! :)

We also took a look at the inhabitants of the area and found all three newt species native to the region in a pond. Seemingly insignificant landscape features can host real wonders - like mini-dragons in this case. 

Otherwise, we were planting beech (Fagus sylvatica), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), and some crab apple (Malus sylvestris). The reason for this is to provide a natural, seasonal food source for bears in late summer and early autumn, when they need it most in preparation for winter.