Meeting place The farmer’s daughter remembers how she and her boyfriend ran here hand in hand among the trees. HE then carved their initials in this beech tree. Somewhere up there. Today, Bloherfelde youths no longer climb trees to declare their undying love; they simply send text messages. It is unusual to plant a beech here. Oak was more popular because it is better suited for building fences and barns. The timber doesn’t rot as quickly. Even when impregnated with carbolineum, beech wood retains its softer consistency and is less usable. The land on the opposite side of the Haaren is marked off by an oak fence. “Grandpa built it years ago!” she beams. The gate is now almost entirely overgrown with plants and weeds. This land is now a nature and recreational area with a footpath along the Haaren. Building is prohibited there because of the flood risk. In the past, hay was harvested in that field and heifers grazed there in the early and late summer. She has fond memories of the hay harvest. It was a happy time, with everyone working in the field. She used to bring them coffee and sandwiches. They would all sit together on a sort of mound under the shade of a semi-circle of oaks.