Gelster

Definitely not a force majeure situation - that’s typically earthquakes, wars etc.

If you can’t service a £38k pa job that suggests to me that it can’t be profitable enough or other work has been taken on which is easier/more profitable.

What else do you do?

If you’re in business I’d suggest at the very least you need public liability insurance.

I was on a badger course yesterday, so I',m not an expert, but it's fresh in my mind. This wasp nest question came up. Foxes and badgers will both seek out wasps nests, and apparently are good at judging the point at which the grubs are at their plumpest. Badgers when they dig push stuff to their sides and behind, whereas foxes shove it mainly behind. If there's a big area of spoil it's probably badger.
 
Typiucal badger territory is 1km2. Sett could be on adjacent land. But it's been a hard hard year for badgers finding food, so they could be coming from further away, foraging new territory. Or they could be nomadic.
 
All according to the Badger Society yesterday.

Came across this wasps nest the other day that looked like it had been dug out by an animal.

The grass around it had been well flattened over a considerable area.

I’m guessing badger, although I’ve never seen evidence of a sett on my land.

A lot depends on what you are going to be using them for - serious hill walking or just country rambles - how often, and in what conditions. And also your budget - I wouldn't suggest scrimping on something that you may be spending many hours in day after day.

I agree with what DuncanH says above - make sure you try before you buy, wearing the type of socks you would wear while walking and also try them on an incline (decent shops have a ramp for this) to make sure your foot isn't sliding around inside (=blisters).

Once you've tried on and found the perfect fit, don't forget to go online and find the best price

On brands, I've got a couple(winter/summer) of pairs of Scarpa which I love - Beghaus, Meindl, Mammut, Grisport,  La Sportiva will all do a good job for you if they give you the fit you need.

And avoid Karrimor or anything else you can get at Sports Direct!

They look healthy enough, what makes you think they are "unsafe"?

Pic of the underside

I don't imagine there'll be anything to get a pic of by next weekend...

True

Isn't that the Tawny Reaper?

Oh! But you've eaten it already you say.

Prob'ly not then; forget I said anything.

Or anyone to get it!

Of course it might be harmless: who knows.

Where did I say I'd eaten any?

At that size even if it is edible you'd need a fair few for a meal!

There was enough for a couple of meals!

Coulda done with a picture of the underside. At the minute the list is too long to even bother speculating.

I'll try to get a pic next weekend.

Anyone know what this is? And whether it is edible?

Approx 3 inches tall, 1 inch diameter, growing near willow & alder.

Is there an actual company name (XXXX Limited) or registration number on the email? Have they got a website?

Thanks all

These people offer policies for small woodland owners: Public Liability Insurance Cover for woodland owners

 

We've added our woodland onto our home insurance policy for a smaller premium, so it might be worth asking yours. Not many companies will do it though, we use NFU.

Not an option with my home insurance unfortunately. That policy looks competitive, although only starts annually in July.

How many trees / branches have fallen and caused harm / damage since 1930 ?? I know nowadays people are more likely to try and sue but such cases are rare , also if you can prove that you actually manage your woods in a safe condition, have the trees periodically surveyed by a competent person , and deal with potential problems ( eg do not leave dead trees standing for years ) then you can not be proven negligent ... this will also be conditions of your policy , as to tresspassers coming to harm , only if you leave unguarded deep excavations , or tall unstable stacks of wood ( without "keep off " signs ) for example , are you likely to be sued ....

Fair points - no injuries/claims I know of, but I'm more concerned about damage to the neighbouring properties to be honest and having the peace of mind. The local council's Tree Officer is an old mate so I'm going to get him to do an assessment and give me an idea of what I need to look out for, maybe draw up a plan for me to follow.

The National Tree Safety Group published a Commonsense Advice for Landowners booklet which has good advice for what you need to do to be a 'Responsible Land owner' as regards to Trees, it isn't too lenghty. Before you speak to insurance companies/brokers it might well be worth reading.

 

Here's a link to the document:

 

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/safetreemanagement

 

all the best.

 

JFC.

Thanks, that's a useful read.

The Small Woodlands Association used to do a block cover for its members, was quite reasonable from memory

 

 

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Can't see any insurance with them on their website but will dig a little deeper.

I have a small piece of woodland (approx 8 acres) which has been in the family since the 1930s (from when a local estate was broken up).

We've never really done anything with the land but I'm now trying to push back the advancing tide of rhododendron and keep a few mates supplied with firewood.

As the land borders a main road on one edge and houses on another, I'm becoming slightly concerned about liability in the event of any trees falling and causing damage. There doesn't seem to be much access to the land by members of the public, but presumably that could also carry a small risk if they were injured while trespassing.

Are there any insurance companies that offer policies for this sort of thing at a reasonable cost?

Or is it normal just to save the expense and hope for the best?