Probably the best job was on the bridge over the ghyll. Some 30 ft (9.41m.) of handrail needed renewing. Not because it would collapse, but we have to be "better safe than sorry" where the public is concerned, and in any case it looked much better. Most of the handrails and treads have been replaced in the last few years or so. As Doug said, when I saw him later: "Reckon we did a good job that morning." Praise indeed.

Then we turned our attention to the hazels which are planted randomly along each side of a footpath after the big storm in 1989. In total, there are 40 "stools" and we are starting a five-year plan to cut down seven or eight stools each year. And then, because hazels grow again, we will start again at the beginning (eight stools over five years is 40 stools). That's coppicing, and has been the right way to work most of our local woods since time immemorial. Hazels used to provide "wattle" hurdles for sheep folding, for use in gardens, hoops for wooden barrels, and crates. Hurdles are still made, but there is little demand now.

While I was working quietly away from the others there was a busy twittering among the hazels. It was a small flock of long-tailed tits looking for insects. I love to see them working through the wood as if they were too busy to see me, but I had time to see them. They are a great pleasure. A month or two back we counted about 15 on our garden nuts.

It is grand to see the wildlife because that's what my work here is all about. There are dormice in those hazels somewhere. My boss at Sussex Wildlife Trust has seen them, but I haven't because I seldom manage to visit the reserve regularly in the dusky summer evenings.

I was going to tell you about the "rhodies", but they'll keep until next month, because they will take that long!

John Hall © 2000