Hand weeding in Ledmore Forest Nursery
The images are courtesy of Michael Lawrence of Bankfoot whose grandfather, Sandy Rose, was Forester and Head Forester at Ledmore Forest Nursery from 1950 (when land was acquired) until his retirement in 1969.
This evocative image is the second of four small photographs showing the task of hand weeding in the nursery lining out beds. All hands to the task ahead as the team moves forward over the transplant lines. Note that in some hands can be seen what appears to be a small bladed tool to assist with removing weeds and perhaps repositioning any little trees. The tool may have a short thin shaft with a small narrow diamond shaped blade but very difficult to see. The man could well be hoeing between the rows where the ladies knees have compacted the soil thus discouraging more weed growth.
The nursery hedges look very low and this may indicate that this photograph was taken possibly within 5-6 years after the nursery was established. Also unusual is the absence of alley ways between every five or six transplant lines where tractor wheels would run. Could this be an odd shaped area not suitable for the early tractor work?
Any comments, observations and names would be very welcome.
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Groups: Forest Nurseries, Forestry Areas, Forestry in Action, Groups of people