Sunset and mist by the River Wye

At first glance, this photograph of the sun going down behind the River Wye at Ross on Wye looks like an entirely natural scene comprising the sun, sky, mist, water, a tree and bushes. But, look closely and you'll see a boulder that is part of the bank reinforcement round an outfall. You'll also notice that the tree is pollarded to keep it anchored to the bank where it can help prevent the river channel from widening. That too is the purpose of the willows along the river banks - they are regularly cut to keep a full root system and branches to slow the flow. Then there is the vapour trail, like a knife slash in a canvas, aiding the composition but adding, remorselessly to climate change.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: iPhone

Tree pollarding

Our neighbour recently took advantage of still air, a dry day and the season of winter to have a large beech tree pollarded. Seeing the tree surgeons at work in the garden reminded me that ten years ago, almost to the week, we had a large willow tree in the garden of our previous house pollarded. Having such work done is always a hard decision. On the one hand a very tall tree near buildings presents a potential problem in high winds and can impact on the cost of insurance. On the other hand big trees bring beauty to gardens and the wider neighbourhood as well as providing food and habitats for birds and insects. About a third of the height was removed and inevitably it looks odd at the moment. However, the leaves and fresh shoots will soon return it to a more natural shape.

photos © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2