Muddy42

Its still nonsense to me. The Stage 1 report identified a roof (with gaps under the eves and missing slates) and attic space and said that theoretically this could be used by bats. Nothing earth shattering here - Any roof build before about 1970 won't be particularly airtight. I guess what I am trying to say is that in most other professions, there are situations where a stage 1 can be carried out (on a low cost or desktop basis) and there is no need for a stage 2. For old roofs, it seemed like stage 2 will always be required. It frustrated me that this wasn't made clear. The whole process needs a shake up and a cost reduction. Or use of CCTV or recording devices that don't require people to count bats manually all night.

@pleasant So a wee update. I got the drive pinions off and both of them were moving freely. The internal parts for the wheel that is working are a bit worn, so they may need replaced in time. Behind the wheel that wasn't working, there were two problems. This plastic spacer is cracked, but I'm not sure that is causing any issues yet, its more to do with raising and lowering the height of the machine. Maybe I can glue it. Secondly the retaining wheel nut was stripped (not shown in these photos). I suspect this was preventing the large cog in the wheel from aligning with the pinion gear. I repaired the thread, but still no drive on that wheel! The investigation continues, maybe something wrong with the gearbox.

Yes, it would be logical that the fence was constructed on the boundary and the hedge grew up around it, but who knows.

Bat surveys make me so angry. I commissioned a stage 1 bat survey once. They couldn't find evidence of bats, BUT nor could they prove there weren't bats - answer stage 2 survey and more cost. I gave up and let the building's roof fall down naturally. What's the point of having a stage 1 survey if it leads to stage 2?

Its not as straight forward as 'who owns the hedge.' What you need to establish is where is the land boundary between your land and your neighbours. You can download a title plan from the land registry. You can do what you like with a hedge growing on your land or branches of a hedge going over your land.

I generally move bags on the loader, but when I have used a trailer, I ratcheted down a small section of ladder that I have lying around.

Just be aware permethrin is also highly toxic to insects and pollinators. Dogs shouldn't be allowed to swim nor run through thick cover for 2 days after treatment.

I only use bio oil near watercourses, as thats what is required by law. Its a shame all bio oils seem to bung up the tank and lines. My general response to poor oil is to dilute it with diesel, but this would rather defeat the object!

Does the saw hang for a second or two from the starter rope (confirming reasonable compression)? What does the piston look like? Any leaks in the fuel and impulse line.

You should have B+E AND the Cs on your current licence. If you passed at a time when these were issued (and I think you did) these are all grandfathered. Keep bashing away at the DVLA about what you want to keep, they will give in eventually.

Agreed, the only thing I find with those additives is they can bung up the sprayer nozzles. That's fine if you are doing a lot and can rinse out the sprayer afterwards, but I have one sprayer that is permanently filled with glyphosate.

Ive never come across anything that wont survive 2 or 3 doses of max strength glyphosate performed in dry weather. I sometimes have to do more doses, but thats because I have missed some or it rained! you can even inject it down the hollow stems of things like bamboo or knotweed

Don't you just fill this out (or paper version in post office)? I think what you can drive always carries forward, including B+E. Putting it another way, they don't have enough test capacity! Renew your driving licence if you're 70 or over - GOV.UK WWW.GOV.UK Renew your driving licence online if you're 70 or over. Use form D46P to apply by post

I agree with all of the above about abusing the bamboo with maximum cutting and poison. Just one more thought, once you have got the stems to ground level, between cycles of cutting and poison, you could cover the bamboo with a weed proof membrane. This would stop any sunlight or other weeds growing or children touching the poison. You could even cover the membrane with fake astroturf lawn?

thanks for the comprehensive explanation. I’ll try both approaches on Friday.