Storm Clearance

As we approached Penicuik House we could hear the buzzing of a chain saw and soon discovered the reason. A large branch of a beech tree had ripped off an entire side of the trunk, and estate workers were busy clearing the debris. They were then using the chipper on the left to shred the resulting pieces. The tree does have one major branch remaining but the open wound the length of its trunk may threaten its survival.

We were enjoying our walk, delighting in the sunlight sparkling the raindrops on the trees but the sunshine did not last long and for much of our walk we were zipped up against the rain.

On our way home we saw a fallen tree near Gowkley Moss and someone with a chain saw collecting wood, presumably for the log-burning stove - I imagine there will be many stoves similarly well-stocked once word gets round.