As the year draws to a close, I have to report that there has been a significant new development with respect to our dear stump – a competitor!
New saplings have been planted to replace the many horse chestnuts that have been cut down, sited as close as possible to the stumps of the old trees. It is hard to object to the principle of this, but I should say that, as the trees grow, there will inevitably be competion for root-space. I should imagine that, if they are left to their own devices, our stump would, in time, crowd out the official sapling.
But will that be allowed? Stay tuned, and we shall see how the story develops.
The Crimson Rambler 