Wet willow weekend

This is the path through the little wood by the river, which is just across the road from my house. The land is owned by the village, and a couple of times a year there is a working party of volunteers to manage the woodland and tidy up the shrubs etc.

Everyone turns up - whatever the weather - armed with garden tools and enthusiasm. Our work is co-ordinated by someone with good knowledge of local native plants and trees. I was given the task of pruning the willows. Here is one that I am half way through pruning. I am taking off last years growth, so that the new shoots will grow that wonderful golden colour.

Here is a photo of the double row that was planted about eight years ago, and has a "haircut" each spring. The splash of colour can be seen from right over the other side of the valley.

You can see how close the the river the willows are, and a couple of lovely sturdy rustic seats that are so handy for sitting and contemplating the river. In the background is the white fenced bridge that takes the lane over to the southern quieter part of the village, called Southover!

This was my view where I was standing pruning, looking upstream away from the white bridge.

Some of the team having fun with a bonfire of the pruned wood from everyone's efforts. Just what you need on a wet and grey morning. There was a welcome break for coffee and biscuits later too.

Nearly finished!

Looking across the valley. It really was a blissful morning for someone who loves pruning. The gentle sound of the river was a perfect accompaniment. It was so satisfying. Now I shall look with even more pleasure at the striking colour of the willows all through next winter.

A rather stunning blossom tree at the edge of the wood - and I dont know which one. But very natural and graceful and not at all showy.