We’re still reeling from the gales of the last several months; tidying up what we can.

But some things are beyond us; we need a Lumberjack; Tree surgeon Barry and we are juniors again!

Here’s the pared down problem. Half a ton (maybe more) of oak suspended precariously over a broken fence, through which the sheep have already escaped. They were oblivious to the danger — we were not. They have been retrieved and taken to a place of safety.

Here’s Barry putting on his harness. He assesses the situation.

Up he goes.

Would I like to have a go? Well actually yes I would! He doesn’t ask again.

Suspended from much higher, he dangles, assessing the problem; it’s all a question of balance, most things are.

All tidied up, Bill and I hauled the lumber down to the barn in the trusty trailer with the surprisingly co-operative quad bike, since the war in Ukraine it prefers to be called an ATV. No one was shot.

I chauffeured the surgeon to his next case in the truck. As I didn’t have my reading glasses, Barry worked the 4-wheel drive gear stick — I did the rest and felt like a rally driver.

Here’s the next challenge, Bill risk- assessing. He knows this slippery and grumpy character — the tree, that is, that made us call for help in the first place. Fortunately when bucked off this bough Bill rolled like a parachutist avoiding major injury!

With consummate skill the mixed hazel and hawthorn is coaxed from the arms of it’s neighbour and no one is injured this time.

Tree Surgeon in repose — taking well earned refreshment.

Thanks Barry