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Exercising Your Human


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Over recent months we have become increasingly concerned about the physical fitness and general well-being of our resident human, who seems to have been inclined to over-indulge in food and drink, whilst simultaneously under-indulging in exercise. After sharing our concerns with some of our friends and associates, and some lengthy discussions amongst ourselves, we did recall that he seemed to have enjoyed a few days out in the past, with another group of humans, who described themselves as ‘conservation volunteers’.

We decided that we should encourage him to join in this activity again, as on previous occasions he had returned both exhausted, invigorated and in good spirits. Although we do endeavour to achieve this end ourselves, it is often difficult to provide sufficiently varied stimuli to maintain his interest and enthusiasm.

So, having decided upon this course of action, it only remained necessary to choose the particular activity. Having examined the OCV website, we decided that the ‘task’ at Oakley Wood would probably be the most suitable. Not only was it sufficiently close to home that it would enable us to accompany and supervise him, it was sure to capture his interest. Since he is not normally allowed access to combustible materials or sharp implements, the combination of coppicing and bonfire building was sure to appeal! Indeed, he seemed quite excited by the prospect, and on the day we arrived at the task site very early.

This gave us the opportunity to take a look around, ensure that there weren’t any squirrels or rabbits lurking in the vicinity and to mark out an area that he could be safely allowed to roam in. Presently, the OCV minibus arrived and disgorged its cargo of enthusiastic, if somewhat bewildered looking volunteers. After the usual ambling about and eventual unloading of tools and safety equipment, the group underwent the ancient and strange ceremonies of ‘Introductions’ and ‘The Tools Talk’. We still have no idea what purpose these rituals serve, but they seem to instil in the group a degree of comradery and sense of purpose.

And so we were able to settle back and observe the somewhat bizarre activities. Oakley Wood is undergoing long-term regeneration work, using a variety of woodland management techniques to bring it back to a healthy state. It is an ideal site for people to learn skills such as coppicing and dead-hedging, as well as the ubiquitous scrub-bashing. Although it is situated near a busy road, it does provide a valuable refuge and habitat for wildlife, as well as a recreational resource for visitors. It also puts on a spectacular display of bluebells!

So, while the volunteers were busy sawing, lopping, slashing and burning, we trundled round checking on their handy-work, and kept an eye on the food supplies, until at last it was time for tea break. Yet another strange ritual, which involves the ceremonial lighting of storm kettles, accompanied by mutterings and mumblings, some prayers and frequent swearing. Eventually ‘tea’ was produced (or something very similar to it) and at long last the biscuits appeared. Joy! Dutiful as ever, we allowed the volunteers to offer us a share of their biscuits, though some were obviously too shy. Still, there was always lunchtime to look forward to, when we could try again. And afternoon tea break.

By the end of the day, we were quite exhausted by all the work that we had been watching. Indeed, we were a little concerned that our human would not have enough energy to take us for our walk later. We needn’t have worried, since he was actually quite chirpy and had obviously enjoyed his day out.

We do sometimes let him go out on tasks on his own, but occasionally like to come along ourselves. It does mean that he has to transport us to the task himself, as dogs aren’t allowed in the OCV minibus. All he has to do is contact the task leader in advance to check that it is ok for us to come along. Obviously not all volunteers are happy with dogs around (even well behaved ones) so we have to check that everyone is content for us to stay around. And of course we are not supposed to do anything to interfere with the work being done (even if we can clearly see that it isn’t being done properly).

OCV tasks really are an excellent way of getting your human exercised and out in the fresh air.

Jim Richardson

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