Those Who Plant Trees Under Whose Shade They Will Never Sit
Proof society can survive
“Blessed are old people who plant trees knowing that they shall never sit in their shade” is most likely a rough adaption of the English translation of a quote by the French theologian Hyacinthe Loyson. Who in Paris in 1866 said
“Ces arbres qu’il plante et à l’ombre desquels il ne s’assoira pas, il les aime pour eux-mêmes et pour ses enfants, et pour les enfants de ses enfants, sur qui s’étendront leurs rameaux.”
In English
These trees which he plants, and under whose shade he shall never sit, he loves them for themselves, and for the sake of his children and his children’s children, who are to sit beneath the shadow of their spreading boughs.”
What has this got to do with hiring a digger and a driver in Berkshire?
Last week Let the Digger Do It was asked to help out with a project that stopped us and made us think.
A long time client called us up, they have decided to sell up and relocate to a 15 acre parcel of land in France which was being sold by the children of a deceased farmer.
The farmer’s children never farmed, having moved away many, many, years ago.
The land was not viable to remain as farmland for many reasons and has been dormant for a number of years.
So what’s the plan we asked?
Trees they said!
They wanted some advice on ditching, repairing fences and planting trees and protecting the young trees until they are mature enough to no longer require protection.
We asked what type of trees? Fast growing spruce or pines?
Nope! Oaks, big beautiful oaks.
Their plan is to recreate a small 15 acre natural forest of oak trees.
They are both in their 50’s and are well aware that they have no chance of ever seeing an oak newly planted by them reaching maturity.
That is not important to them, they want to plant something that is going to be enjoyed for generations to come. With paths and places to sit being planned and built, and only fenced for protection, with public access not only allowed, but encouraged for everyone to enjoy.
We asked if they were going to seek any French government grants or EU payments for planting the trees or the ongoing care they will initially require?
The answer was no, they want to grow the little forest over time, it’s not about making money in any way.
It’s time to give something back is what they said.
The team at Let the digger do it tip their hats to you and we will certainly provide advice and we will do everything we can to help.
From little acorns big oaks grow..
