Photographs Nov 4th 2013

Life at water tower wood is quiet and peaceful, perhaps too peaceful of late. The closure of the access steps to Ironmills Park is both a blessing and a curse. Whilst no one has called to complain about the spread of some bark chips on the short section of path outside my gate (believe me, it happened before), it is sad to have less people to chat to whilst working outside. 

On Sunday the skies were blue and the wind was blowing quite hard. Made for some photo opportunity. Here they are.

1. The wild flower meadow in Ironmills park. The smaller trees in the photo are those planted 5 years ago to celebrate the centenary of the gift of the park to Dalkeith.

2. The tower from the back of Ironmills Cottages. House RP9 is there, but hasn't it blended in as the wood has faded over the last 3 years.

3. Popular spot with photographers, the weir under the viaduct.

4 and 5. The trees planted 5 years ago, again.

6. Same again.Well I did manufacture the opportunity to have the trees planted so I do feel pleased that the trees are thriving.

7. Oak leaves under blue sky

8. Same tree, it's actually a Turkey Oak.

9. Variety of Acer, a park species tree that is complimentary to native trees.

10. View from the park to RP9 and the woodland to the West.

11. Autumn glory

12. The sad closure of the steps to Cemetery Road

13. The yellow leafed tree behind the pillar is a mature Hornbeam which sits precariously on top of the steep bank. Advised that this tree would have been planted rather than self seeded. It's one of my favourites.

14, 15 , 16. This is my attempt at a sympathetic barrier between our ground in the cemetery! and the cemetery. Its called a hairy hedge and its made from wind blown branches from the weeping silver birch trees. It will get bigger each year as the wind blown material is collected and added to the "hedge". Has to be better than something more formal.

17. Anniversary gifts this year. Thanks Seonaid, Andi, Pat and Mike.

18. The path where the works to make safe 4 years ago turned the planning department into a tiz and probably cost the tax payer a lot more than it cost to construct.  It was recommended for approval, refused by councillors and approved at appeal. Have I mentioned this planning stuff before?
(amazingly, our local councillor instructed the community council this week to take care when complaining about planning applications if minded to lobby for refusal of matters that conformed with planning, because, wait for it, it is costly to the tax payer when these applications are later approved at Scottish Office level)

19. It really was windy. This is a Sweet Chestnut tree or as I like to call it, the twisty tree.

20. David Bailey eat your heart out.

21, 22. The back of the woodland, ticking over nicely.

23, 24. Top of the Royal Niall.

25. The twisty tree from the other side. 

26. Ear marked for change this autumn. Barrier, re shape and re plant required. 

27, 28 and 29. The woodland garden

30. The stag horn ferns were glorious this year. Past their best now.

31 and 32. Going downhill

33, 34 and 35. Looking up from the woodland steps. The magnificent beech trees which had a major prune this year to take the weight off and reduce the risk of loss. The section of screening below the path works has faded and ivy, elm, beech and a planted woodland honeysuckle are all doing really well. In 33 and 34 the gap at the top of the old land slip is very evident. I often wonder if it will slip even further.

36. There's an old copper pan in there, if you can find it.

37. Looking through the steps in the bank to the uphill turn to the West.