Adventure Togs ..... and all that!: Ffawydden

Adventure Husband hard at work last summer

This is my first gallery post so please go easy on me!

When I saw the title this week, I just had to join in. Trees are almost part of the family in our world, as Ffawydden (meaning Beech trees, in welsh) is where we live.

When we moved here more than 7 years ago, we had no idea about trees except that they looked nice. We saw this wonderful woodland garden and immediately had visions of the boys running round, climbing, hiding and making the most of their surroundings. The garden and trees were the main talking point when visitors called, but soon after we moved in we realised that we had 2 massive dead/dying trees that we needed to fell. It was only at this point that we found out there was not only a tree preservation order on them, but a woodland order on our entire garden. As our house and garden was built on old woodland, the order meant that "in theory" we cannot even prune or "mow the lawn" without planning consent.

The council were very slow at granting us permission on taking down the dead trees (I know now that we didn't need permission if they are dead) and we spent many a sleepless night listening to the swaying branches.

Last year we waited over 6 months for permission to take down a Eucalyptus (which was planted by the previous owners and isn't even a native tree) and some overhanging branches along the drive.

We have been told that our local council is looking to lift the woodland order and will just put an order on individual trees. This would make life easier....but I do love my trees!