Tree planting

Hundreds of hectares of the Madeira forests were destroyed in terrible fires in the summer of 2010. The following year, the Ecological Park was established, aiming to replant the unique native trees and try slowly to restore the forests.

The hotel I stay in sponsor the initiative and give the guests (and staff) the opportunity to spend a day high up near the Pico do Arreeiro - 1881 metres above sea level.

This was the second time I've been involved. We're just back, tired, grubby and happy. The sun, wind and cloud are intense and there was even some snow up there today.

This is Sophia, planting one of the tiny Madeiran laurel trees. (And my shadow)

It is marvellous to meet the volunteers and share the Sopa de Trigo and home made bread - and of course, to drink the vivid orange fizz (the colour of Irn Bru but with a flavour all it's own).

A fabulous day. (Apart from the Forest result).