I have finally completed the felling and disposal of the old and dilapidated thorn hedge running along the north side of my orchard.  I removed the ivy a couple of years ago and waited to see if the hedge was in any condition to be worth saving.  My conclusion was that it was better to remove it and start again.  So over the last two winters I have cut it down and burned it and also cleaned out the neglected ditch that runs along side it, and thank goodness I did.  If it had been left in the state it was in I would have had water running down the orchard and onto our patio all winter.  Not good.  As it was I have had to clean out the sand trap at the mouth of the potted section of the ditch on a weekly basis since Boxing Day.  The amount of soil and gravel washed down such a small ditch is phenomenal. I will prepare to replace the hedge over the next summer and hopefully replant next winter.  I have already planted some small hazel saplings along the top part and despite the malicious intentions of our local rabbits they are surviving, just.  That's the hazel, the rabbits are somewhat depleted in numbers but not depleted enough for my liking.  The orchard is now as fully planted as it can be in the space available, I have added another couple of pears this winter and three more bought maiden apple trees.  I have also planted out, along the edges, some of the apple trees and four of the plum trees that I have grown from seed.  Yes I know it is highly likely that non of the seedling trees will produce useful fruit but the orchard isn't for profit and if they aren't to my liking I will graft them over to something that is so they won't be wasted.  And for those who decry the idea of planting apple pips in hope I say this "Remember a little girl called Mary Brailsford, but for her the UK wouldn't have one of its greatest cooking apples."

All my trees seem to have come through the winter okay but spring will tell.

Smoke from the final burning of the remainder of the old hedge.

The last few branches of the old hedge consigned to the flames.

I'm looking forward to the blossom, some of the plum trees are budding up very well, even if we don't get many plums we look as if we'll get a good show of blossom.  I will post some pictures when it happens.