It’s been a very good year for bluebells here on the edge of the Weald. The hanger to the east of the commons and the barn where we keep the equipment is sweet chestnut coppice and a good reserve for woodland flora. Elsewhere I hear that bluebells are threatened by intensive agricultural practice and lack of woodland management, but coppicing is good for them, providing a regular cycle of renewal.
Today I’ve managed to fit in some tractor maintenance, changing the oil and filters on the CASE CX80 as well as fitting the PTO and trying out the chain cutters on the new topper. The warm wet weather is bringing on the growth really fast and it will soon be time to start bracken cutting in earnest.
I’ve even managed to nail down the source of my broadband problems today. It turned out to be a faulty power supply for an external USB hub. Hopefully normal service is now finally resumed.
Tomorrow I am demonstrating polelathe turning at the Merrist Wood college summer show, so it’s an early start again.
