When the doorbell rang at 9am I thought it was the postman with a late Christmas delivery, but it was a Highway Officer telling me that one of our trees was down across the A591.
We were shocked, as we’d just had the tree that we thought was dangerous cut down by the tree surgeon two weeks ago. That was a weeping willow that had been hollowed out by the continuous assault of the Greater Spotted Woodpeckers.Sadly, it’s neighbour, a lovely big flowering cherry, possibly missing the protection of the old willow, has keeled over and was in urgent need of removal from the main road.

Luckily, tree surgeon Ben, of the wonderfully named “Absolute Treedom” in Rydal was available to chain saw and clear the mess. Thanks to the very helpful “Highwayman” and the policewoman who helped too- sorry you had to go before your cuppa was ready.

Here’s the sorry sight of our beautiful cherry’s last moments.

This afternoon the rain and wind eased, and we had a great fresh walk round Rydal Water and Grasmere with my brother who should have been going home to Scotland. All trains north of Carlisle were cancelled, so we’ve had an extra day together. It’s an ill wind….