One of the more
interesting sights to be seen in the grounds at the
moment is of huge flocks of wood pigeons flying over
early This is also the time of year for watching large numbers of gulls heading for their roosting sites just before sunset. Hundreds of these, often in 'V' formation, can be seen flying towards the large lakes at Wintersett, where hundreds or thousands of them spend the night on the water. Two yew trees have been chopped down in Great Garden during the first part of the Christmas holidays. One of these trees had a trunk which was straighter and more solid than those seen on many other yews. Both trees grew below the orchard, on the north side of the two cottages at the bottom of the garden. Also, a large sycamore was taken down near the pet hut. A quick count of the growth rings revealed that this tree was about ninety years old. Many of the growth rings were widely spaced, indicating rapid growth. The tree was removed because it has been attacked by the giant polypore fungus. |