He therefore decided to place two enormous boulders in the folds he was rebuilding and plant saplings he had grown from the original Mountain Ash in each. He describes the next stage in the process:

'... the two stones that I had chosen were moved into position. I always find it hard to move large stones - not just because of their size, but more out of a heavy sense of responsibility of taking it from the place where it has rested for so long. These two stones, however, were perched (one very precariously) above the places where the folds will be built to contain them only a short distance away.

The wet and slippery conditions made their journeys difficult and long. It took all day to move them and, despite the problems, was at times beautiful to watch. A tracked vehicle was used to move the stones, which, being too heavy to lift had to be pushed, pulled and walked along.

Occasionally the stones were allowed to slide down the slope leaving mud trails in their wake. These marks, along with those of the machine described the stones' journeys - drawing their passage on the landscape. At one point the machine unexpectedly slid down the slope following a stone.

The tension between the stone and machine created a balance in which it appeared as if the stone only moved when it decided to, and only then after much persuasion. I have moved stones this way previously but never so close to the limit of the machine.

It was almost dark when the second stone was manoeuvred into place. They already have a strong presence and I am looking forward to the enclosures that will now be built around them and the planting of a tree into the heart of each stone.'

Andy Goldsworthy 5th December, 2000

Steve Allen, the waller, completed the building of the folds around the massive stones and holes were drilled in them to accommodate the two trees. However, the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in March, 2001 prevented the actual planting. Andy Goldsworthy has stated that 'it will now happen when the disease has gone and will be an event made more significant by its passing.

The planting of any tree is a gesture of optimism and renewal - growing out of stone in the protective embrace of a sheepfold will, I hope, give that gesture a potent mixture of feelings - hardship, struggle, fragility, precariousness and strength. I could think of no better work on my part that could articulate the emotional struggle that has taken place for those living in badly affected areas during this intensely difficult time.'

Andy Goldsworthy 10th May, 2001

Photographs: Underbarrow folds: Mountain Ash above Underbarrow, tracks from moving the boulders; drilling the boulders; one of the finished folds.