Friday 23rd July
The Borough Council responded rapidly and Maydencroft are already busy removing the fallen Oak limb. They are working from the bottom, removing branch by branch, in order to take the weight off. It has been estimated that the total weight is in the order of 4 tons.
The bough which had been split from the trunk eventually separated on its own accord, fortunately while the Maydencroft operatives were standing clear. The task of cutting up the main bough will be made much easier and safer as a result.
The following is a frame from a video shot by Harry Ward showing the separated bough being dragged out of the way after the branches had been removed..
The cut and shredded timber will be retained on site for future use.
First thoughts are that the Pulhamite rockwork has not been damaged because the weight of the main bough appears to have been carried by the path above the grotto.
But sadly there will likely be a need to re-plant on the West side of the Fernery on the bank above the path and on top of the grotto itself, and the wooden rail above will need repair.
But fingers crossed, we have been lucky if there has been no damage to the rockwork and to the original iron fencing. We will produce a further Report later after an examination has been made to make sure that the site is safe to re-open.
We have every hope that the Fernery will be safe to re-open this weekend.
We need your help
We do need more volunteers, so perhaps this will be your opportunity to step forward and see how you can help us get straight as quickly as possible.
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