Paul Barton

Great community spirit, love it. Best wishes to Chris and his family.

Got to wonder whether you actually want to do any work for people like that. If they are that unconsiderate about ringing for a quote then they could be a proper nightmare when you get there to do the work!

You can't blame them for listing their qualifications to promote themselves. But you can blame them for saying they can do this and do that when they plainly cannot. Do you have a lack of choice of decent climbers where you are? If not, why not just ask for 3 years minimum experience for climbers or something?

I bought "Woodland Management" by Chris Starr for my tech cert - found it very useful.

Blade?!

I was there 04/05 Barney. Was that the same year as you - if so, what's your real name?!

Tech cert is NVQ level 3. I thought the Diploma (HND) was level 4. There has been talk of uprating the tech cert to level 4 for a while so they could be equal soon.

Here is a helpful leaflet on hedges. hedge leaflet.pdf

Fear is a normal feeling but should be conquered. A healthy respect for danger is much more positive.

Terrible news - may he rest in peace.

Glad I have never worked for you!

Say what?! Nice job John, looked like a good day.

What about some riggers boots? I am currently looking for some of the Dr Martens riggers for a sensible price - good for woodland surveys etc. Was just going to get some wellies but I think they'd soon split or tear thrashing about in bramble.

Porridge has never worked for me for some reason. I normally have bran flakes plus muesli but I am nearly always hungry by 10.30. Only thing that works til lunch is bacon or eggs but I rarely treat myself to that.

If you missed it (as I did) you can watch it on the BBC iplayer on the web for the next 7 days. Will watch tomorrow...

Hang in there Gayn - the whole year is a learning curve. Besides, if you don't get it the first year you can always retake the assessments. Alot of people do....possibly including me next year....

I'm not watching that! Hopefully someone else will review it...

I think as a general rule heave is normally a problem when the tree was there before the house -ie the soil (which must be a shrinkable clay) around the foundations has always lost moisture due to the tree, so if you take the tree away the soil can become more saturated and therefore cause heave. Conversely if the tree was planted after the house was built the soil will return to the same state as before once the tree has gone. I am sure this is very much over-simplifying the matter though!

Oh dear, that sounds like a bit of a nightmare. As this is my first OMM we have entered the short score event. No doubt it will be a challenge for me as my fitness is average and my nav skills leave alot to be desired. If we enjoy it we hope to enter a higher class next year. Hope you heal up soon Jamie. Must be nice living so near the hills.

I'm having a go at the OMM (formerly KIMM) this year which should be a challenge. Perhaps an alternative to the 3 peaks?

I would agree that they are a bit hotter and bulkier and I have also had some stitching go around the flies as well. However, hiflex only seem to last a year - they rip so easily. My stretch airs are a year old and still going strong - they'll easily last two.

Agreed. I am sure as the technology is used more the bank of images that come out of it will be very enlightening.

Superb! That's a fabulous shot.

Hi Scott. I think you have hit the nail on the head - I don't think this intended to be a decay detection device in the sam way as Picus is and therefore should not be marketed in that way. From what I understand (which is always limited) the device is more helpful in determining overall health as represented by the ratio of functional/dysfuntional tissue. It will pickup cankers before they are visible as you point out. I think it will show internal decay as well though. Because dead cells have less conductivity between them, they dissipate heat at a different rate. Therefore cool areas on the surface can indicate areas of dead/decaying wood underneath. This would be helpful when looking at bases of trees or branch unions. However I think it is still prudent to investigate significant cool (ie possibly decayed) areas using a resistograph for example. The nice thing is that it is possible to survey large numbers quite quickly and in a non-invasive way. ..and then there's the potential for investigating bat roosts etc... Hope this makes sense?

Bacon and marmalade sandwiches. Cheese and peanut butter toasties. Yum!