Precipitation of varying velocity and winds of unwavering ferocity beset the day.
This morning we drove to the outskirts of Burley and back.
It is not unusual to be held up by tree cutters carrying out routine arboreal management. This is perhaps more frequent at the moment, as the unrelenting recent series of storms have taken their toll.
Here, on Holmsley Road, overhanging branches were being lopped . Especially in the pouring rain, I do sympathise with the men supporting the Stop/Go lollipops. I hope they take it in turns. Jackie let me out of the car when we were stopped and took the first photograph through the windscreen before passing the barrier. I walked, and took the second. The men were somewhat concerned that I might not stay on my feet.
The gentleman doing the lopping was happy to pose for a rear view.
Further along the road I wondered whether that team had earlier attended to this fallen tree
which attracted a trio of ponies seeking fresh nutriment from the lichen coated branches.
The last time I photographed this dead oak tree with its fungus and lichen on Bisterne Close it was standing firm.
It stands no more,
its shallow roots ripped into open air. This giant will now gradually take its part in the maintenance of the forest ecology, feeding insects, plants, and soil for years to come.
Given its position on the verge it did well to fall away from the road.
The rain really hammered down on our return home. A group of stoic ponies alongside Holmsley Passage simply stood and bore it.
This evening we dined on second helpings of Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent fare with which Jackie finished the Sauvignon Blanc and I finished the Shiraz.
Trees … it is always sad to see an old tree topple over, yet you are right in saying that they go on giving even after death. I have enjoyed this rather poignant look at trees.
Thanks very much, Anne. I read your recent post on trees as I was planning this one. 🙂
I agree with Anne. I’m sad about trees that have fallen or been chopped done, but you very eloquently expressed how they live on in a way, and by their deaths, enable other species to continue.
Those rain-drenched ponies looked to me like they were also covered in something like the tree, but greyish, instead of green.
We’re having leftover Chinese food as well tonight. 🙂
Chinese synchronicity, Merril. 🙂 The ponies do look like that. Thanks very much.
Looks like a good day.
Thanks a lot, Mrs W
Your welcome
It is always hard to see a tree go, but the cycle of of life continues. I hope the rain and winds let up, and you are able to enjoy some sun again.
We may get some sun on Wednesday – for one day. Thank you very much, Lavinia.
I’m rather glad that we are simpatico on the lollipop men – you highlight something that has lain barely dorment in my psyche regarding these chaps for a very long time. I am even gladder to be back in this realm. You are the first post I have read in a horribly long time. Bienvenue moi?
Lovely to see you posting. This is why I’m glad I read comments as well as the post.
How wonderful to ‘see’ you, dear Peggy! I can’t explain how much your comment means to me and how glad I am that you read comments. There will be more to follow but for now I am content to reconnect with the great and the good in this sphere who, it turns out, I have missed like a hole in my heart!
We’re here, so reconnect as time and desire permit.
So good to see you back, Osyth. I’m honoured to be the first.
Thank you, Derrick for that kind remark.
Oh wow, the rain just doesn’t give up for you. Sad about the trees, but glad the ponies can enjoy some nourishment. Feeling for those stoic ponies in the deluge.
Thank you very much, Peggy.
I do like how your country allows the fallen trees to remain, here they are chopped up and removed. It seems there has been a late onslaught of winter in your part of the world. We have a shy little summer peeking in warily…….
Thanks very much, Pauline. Leaving the trees may be peculiar to the New Forest. It is certainly time you had summer.
It’s a shame that oak had to topple over – it used to look like a work of art!
My poor ponies…..
Thanks very much, GP. Your ponies did look miserable
Two hundred years ago that tree would not have died of old age, it would have been cut down in its prime to provide timber for the Royal Navy!
It would, Andrew. Thanks very much
Love the photos of the trees, especially the fallen one. The weather’s not being kind to you, is it?
Thank you very much, Sheree. A few more days of it yet
I will never be able to go through road construction again without thinking of you and the Stop/Go lollipops. I love that! 🙂
🙂 Thank you very much, Jill
Derek loved it too! 🙂
🙂
How are the mighty fallen!
Yes, indeed. Thank you very much, Tootlepedal.
Ah no … always sad to see an old tree fall.
The weather was a bit kinder here in the midlands – We actually had some hours without rain today 🙂
It’s a relief that your rain eased a bit. Many trees have fallen. Thanks a lot, Tiny.
Fallen trees are sad but if they are left then they can provide new life.
Exactly. Thanks very much, Gary
Yes, thank goodness the poor old tree had the good sense to fall away from the road. The ponies do look somewhat bedraggled. 😳
Mostly the ponies seek shelter, but these just stood quietly. Thank very much, Sylvia.
It is good that the tree fell as it did. I’ve read that foresters and tree-trimmers are near the top of the list of dangerous professions. I was glad to see the fellow cutting rigged up with proper gear. I did ponder having a chain saw hanging from my belt. Those guys are strong.
They are, indeed – mentally and physically, Linda. Thanks very much.
A fitting tribute to how nature makes good use of everything we leave her.
I’m pleased you found it so, JoAnna. Thank you very much.
There’s something sad about fallen and felled trees. The gales have done their worst lately.
I also had leftover Chinese yesterday! No wine though!
Chinese has been popular lately. Much appreciated, Sue.
You’ve had quite the storm! The toppled trees reminded me of the scenes after cyclones in northern Queensland. Over here,they are mostly left to decay, unless they are blocking roads, or sitting atop someone’s house or car.
Same as here, then. Thanks a lot, Yvonne.
Dead trees, fallen trees or trees that have to be cut down…that make me sad. But, that is part of life. And so many things in nature can go back to the earth to help new life to grow. So, that’s good. 🙂
When I see tree-trimmers-cutters I admire their courage and skill. And I worry about them falling. 😮
Aw, the poor ponies! I’m sure they would like to have their soaked hair dried by a warm sun.
HUGS!!! :_)
Thank you very much, Carolyn – from me and from the ponies. X
It’s excellent management to leave the fallen trees to feed the insects, plants, and soil. Let’s hope that it catches on elsewhere as an idea.
So right, John. Thanks a lot.
Ha! Stop/go lollipops 🍭 !! Clever.
I like your photo. You make the best faces😀
🙂 Thanks very much, Rose.
😉
The dead oak tree shot is fantastic.
Thank god there is no rain, hail storm or snow for us today.
Much appreciated, Rupali.
You have history in your pictures! So sad to see a fallen tree 🌳
Thank you for appreciating that, Ribana.
Poor ponies! Hope good weather comes soon so that they can dry out. That’s a lot of trees that have been uprooted by the bad weather. Nice that they are left for the woodland creatures to use.
Just a sample of fallen trees, I’m afraid, Laurie. I appreciate your comments.
Oh, goodness! So many have fallen.
Many are shallow rooted and excess surface water weakens them.
That happens here, too.
So many trees! They are so majestic and have seen so much. Sad to see them down
It is. Thank you very much, Lynn
Depressing devastation!
Yes. Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
The weather is playing havoc with everything just lately. We can ill-afford to lose any more trees from our landscapes and standing deadwood is such a special environment in its own right. I still enjoyed your arboreal story 🙂
Thanks very much, Peggy
Every year in Australia we hear of someone being killed by a falling tree. One problem is that after a very dry spell a sudden downpour means that a tree will drink up tons of water and the branches become too heavy to survive.
Great photos Derrick – specially liked the dead tree with all the fungus growing up the side.
Thanks very much, John., for this additional explanation and the appreciation.
It does pain me to see trees ripped asunder.
Yes. We do have a lot at the moment. Thank you very much, Liz.
Poor old tree … time to go. 🙁
‘fraid so, Widders. Thanks very much.
We have lost a few old trees here, too. It’s so sad to see them go.
Those poor ponies in the deluge!
Thank you very much, Clare.
I think it’s splendid that you found a photo of that same tree from earlier when it was upright. I am impressed that you take the time to find it and show us. I think often about how certain scenes look different than the last time I shot them, and I think “my, wouldn’t it be a fun blog post to put them all together to compare,” and then… I don’t do it. Bravo for following through.
I’m so pleased you appreciated that, Crystal. It was a bit of a search. Thanks a lot.
It’s nice when your audience is also blogging… ha ha. We know what’s behind the beautiful post. 🙂
🙂
Those poor sodden ponies.
Yes. Thanks a lot, Lindsey.