It was a joy to see some lengths of coppiced ash being crafted into new barge poles for the workboats today.
Tony is seen removing the bark from the wood using a tool once owned by his grandfather. This is the time of year to do this as the sap has returned to the ground. Definitely not a summer job.
Several were in the process of manufacture, with paint already applied to a few. A very therapeutic pastime according to Tony.