Tom Mabbutt

I'd handn't thought of that...what a simple hack, can't wait to try it. I'm in love with my Zig Zag.

It's hard to see from the picture, but it looks like it could be squirrel damage, not 100% sure though. Regardless of whats caused it the tree is still young and its evident from the picture that wound-wood (healing) is occurring at the sites of damage, a good sign. I would be surprised if the whole tree was to suddenly die in the near future, although the damage may mean fungi or some other pathogenic organism may enter the tree and reduce its life span somewhat, or create structural issues years down the line. If you're worried about it get a good tree surgeon to have a closer look, they may be able to give it a tidy and remove the worst of the damage whilst still keeping a natural appearance and not being too heavy handed, or just shed some more light on what's caused it. Keep an eye on the density of the tree's leaves during the summer, if possible compare it to other nearby beech trees, this is the quickest and easiest way to assess the overall physiological health of a tree. Normally if a tree is about to conk it you'll see a significant overall thinning of the crown and foliage (before the usual leaf drop time Autumn), it will have a sparse and thin look to it. However, bear in mind branches with lots of squirrel damage can also decline. Hope that's of use. Good luck.

FR Jones currently do 550xp's with a 15 inch bar for £530.60, great saw. I have a 560xp and I love it (just treated the her to a Sugihara bar, she's deserves it). Have used 550xp's and they are nice and light and really go.

Looks a lot like Sulphur Tuft to me.

Yesterday, Wretham nr Thetford.

I'm pretty sure my dad and Grandfather used to take me for walks there. Gramps used to live just outside of Tavistock, now he's in Bickleigh. It's magic down there, beautiful watercourses and the Oaks are laden with moss and lichen. Good memories.

It took a while and bit of experimentation for me to get the HC right, it wasn't until I started using the 'knut' instead of VT with the pulley that I cracked it. I found that there's less sit-back with the knut as opposed to the VT, which made branch-walking and working on limbs out-stretched much easier. The type and thinkness of friction cord in relation to rope thickness made a difference too; I found on 13mm rope 10mm Yale Silverstreak worked well. Also make sure that the legs of the cord aren't too long or too short as that affected the 'bite'. All that being said I've now gone to the Zig-zag on 11.7mm Bluetounge and its absolutely belting, done a fair few largish, tricky, slimy poplars over the past few weeks and its been a godsend. Really noticing the energy-saving especially when ascending using a pantin in the open air.

Hard to say really, could be some kind of Stereum? It looks a bit crusty and old. Really not sure though.

Koelreuteria paniculata?

koelreuteria paniculata

Looks like Clerodendrum bungei?!?

Thanks for all the responses folks. Sorted now.

I meant the 30th!!!

Hi, Sorry know this is a long shot. Need someone to ground for me this Thursday (30th) in Norwich, doing a bit of reduction work. Will need PPE, but own saws are not essential, cs38 a bonus. I am a small and humble contractor with a Ford Ranger/Greemech cs100 set up. Get in contact with day rates if interested. Cheers, Tom 07773676465

Here it is

Seen this around a fair bit, but I can't for the life of me figure it out. Found in woodlands, fringes and generally anywhere with a bit of shade - as far as I can tell. At first I thought it was Butterbur but I'm not convinced. Cheers.

Holy cow! I always cast a glance at that tree when passing. A real shame.

You're (probably) more likely to get funding from courses held at agricultural colleges as opposed to private courses, it would mean doing some theory on top of the NPTC tickets (never a bad thing) such as National Diploma in Arb. Such colleges can normally advise on this, there's rarely a lot of £ though. Additionally, check this charity out, and if they can't help they might be able to direct you elsewhere. Good luck. Ways We Can Help | Perennial

Will be looking for freelance/self employed ground workers I can call on for odd days, work in the south Norfolk/north Suffolk areas (I’m based in Harleston). I run a small and friendly venture. Must be reliable, hardworking, have full PPE, CS30, and ideally CS38 (with own saw a bonus). Workers with some experience preferred, however am happy to work with less experienced folk, if keen and committed. PM me with your details, where you are, and your day rate. Cheers, Tom

It's got the 'suction cup' base to the needles, so I'd say Abies? Perhaps Abies concolor 'Candicans' because its quite glaucous? Not totally sure though.

ps First picture is over-exposed, the cap in that picture was darker 'in the flesh'.

Found today in mixed Oak and Hornbeam woodland, in South Norfolk. I think they're contenders for being Death Caps, but not totally sure. I didn't have the balls to touch it, and it didn't think it was fair to knock it over to get some better gill-photo-action. Had a good sniff of the cap and I couldn't put my finger on the smell; faint but a little unusual - not like raw potatoes (which I think the False Death Cap smells like).

Hi there, I'm a self employed groundsman/climber based in Harleston covering south Norfolk & north Suffolk. Currently looking to fill extra days, typically at the start of the week, maybe weekends. I have 4 years climbing experience, cs30, 31, 32, 38, 39, 41, MEWP, various arb theory qualifications, saws, PPE and climbing kit + more. Hardworking and high work standard. Grounding £100 per day, climbing £120 (travel dependent). Passionate, reliable and committed. Feel free to call, request CV or for references. Regards, Mr. Thomas G. Mabbutt Arboricultural Sub-Contractor Harleston, Norfolk Contact Mobile: 07773676465

I now have just Tuesday free if anyone's still interested. Cheers.