It was time to continue pruning the perpendicular shoots above the tunnel canopy. A bit easier this time without it being in full leaf.
As you can see, it's looking healthy and definitely shaping-up well. I was also able to weave more of the finer shoots into the existing canopy.
Tabby worked on the rest of the tunnel and cleared all grass and weeds along the internal path, plus the load of cuttings from above.
Earlier, we had been feeding dead branches (through the wood chipper) of one of the affected oak trees from last summers 'branch drop phenomenon'.
Unfortunately, we encountered a hydraulic fuel leakage on the chipper, so were unable to finish clearing.
Replacement parts have been ordered by Matt.
April 2026.
Just over a year ago, a new woodland project for 'disease resistant' Dutch Elm trees was undertaken. We were back there to check and tidy up the enclosures, adding fresh woodchip.
I must say, the plants were looking quite healthy.
We had also planted a mixture of other woodland species ('whips') at the time, and these were looking good too.
First heatwave of the year, and it's a balmy 21°C!
This week included more mulching, plus some further ivy removal.
Tabby had to wield the strimmer in between the plants as there were large clumps of grass, which were quite dense in places.
Several of the plastic guards were temporarily removed as the grass was also growing up the middle!
On my next visit (and with the sunny weather continuing), we gave all twelve wooden sculptures their first coating of the year. They receive at least two coats per year to keep them looking shiny and protected.
This was a day's work for Tabby and myself, as each one needs to be checked, washed and cleaned prior to applying the oil. It takes a while to work the oil into all the crevices and ensure there are no drips.
Looks like Matt will be hiring the 'cherry picker' again. There is a large yew tree in the west woods that needs a bit of surgery. However, before that can happen, we needed to open out a route for access purposes.
The small woodland trail that meets on a bend (and eventually runs behind Victoria pond) was the nearest point of access. Tabby and I cut down several elm trees and cleared away snowberry, bramble etc lining either side of the path.
People who regularly use this path may be surprised at the transformation.
Unfortunately, I forgot to take a 'before' photo
The Church Street entrance has had the side gate repaired recently, and a new coat of paint. To even things up, we finished the day cleaning and preparing the other half (watch this space!).
May is usually the start of the growing season, although Tabby has already had the mower out to trim the verges and re-determine the meadow trails.
Anyway, we had a full day of crown raising and cutting back along the trail by the edge of the east woods (funnily enough, an almost repeat of one of my days in May 2025).
The branches get heavier now that it's full of leaf, flower, seeds etc, so any low hanging branches need to be lopped.
Another productive, back-breaking day but always satisfying.
That's all for now, hope to be back in a few weeks time.
