You Can't Dig Up The Copse!

Mandy was no gardener and she hated digging. But she had to get this plant.

 

- Elizabeth Dale

Mandy didn’t usually drive by Callington Copse, especially not at night. It wasn’t that she was actually afraid of ghosts, not really, it was just that she decided it was better to be safe than sorry. Besides, it gave her the shivers; she didn’t really want to see that place, ever again. Even though it was 10 years ago, try as she might she still couldn’t erase the memory of that terrible night...

It was only because her friend Laura was driving her back from a trip to the new out-of-town shopping centre that they went that way at all that Friday. They were so busy chatting that Mandy didn’t even realise what road they were on until they rounded the corner and there it was. And then she froze. For there was a huge sign on the gate, clear for all to see.

“They’re... they’re developing Callington Copse...” She gasped, horrified.

“I know,” said Laura, “Terrible, isn’t it? It’s so lovely for walks, and the primroses in the spring...”

“We have to stop them!” Mandy cried. “They can’t possibly dig it up, they can’t!”

Laura was surprised by the vehemence of her friend’s reaction. “Well, I’m upset too, Mandy, but I don’t think there’s anything we can do about it...”

“There must be,” said Mandy. “It must be preserved as it is. As you say, there are the lovely primroses and wild daffodils and bluebells...”

“Yes, but people do need houses, I suppose.”

“But not there,” said Mandy. “It’s so beautiful there. We must stop them.”

“I think planning permission has already been granted,” said Laura.

Mandy stared at her. “How did I miss this?”

Laura shrugged. “You’ve been away looking after your mum.”