As I walked out one morning

Another solo bracken bashing session, this time it was Stephen seeking some peace and tranquility on the hillside at Butterley.

Livin' la Vida loca

Vida obscured by young tree.

Fifth bracken bashing session of the season. Back at Butterley. Today we were: myself, Philip, Steve, Stephen, Geoff, Dianne and Lizzie the dog, Jess, Ben and Solo the dog, Neil with Seth and Jake, and Robert with Jack and Vida (hence this week's song title). We got a ton of work done, despite the passing heavy showers. And enjoyed ginger cake at break time.

All followed by a short but lively conversation about Brexit with Bobby back at the Sair!

Guy said he would be bashing later on in the afternoon. No photographic evidence though yet.

One man went to mow

No photo, but Philip was up at Butterley this evening. In the rain. For the fourth session of the season.

Swords of a thousand men (well, four men and a dog)

Lots still to be done!

Third bracken bashing session of the season. Butterley again. We were: myself, Philip, Ben and Solo the dog, and Steve. There was a 50/50 split on choice of tools today. Myself and Steve had slashers. Ben and Philip favour a sickle.

We get material and financial support from Yorkshire Water and the Woodland Trust - and part of the relationship is that we undertake to weed the planted sites, in order to maximise successful growth. Still quite a lot to do so we will be piling on the emotional blackmail in order to get more boots on the ground next Saturday.

Cake was fruit slice. Midges, middling. But we had nets and Jungle Formula (sponsorship opportunity).

After bashing, Philip and I went to visit Eileen and Yogi to discuss planting up some of their land this Winter. We were enthusiastic... and they were charming.