Evening all, and happy new year!
Slightly different angle today. I felled another tree the other day and this time took some cuttings from the crown (see the photo below). I'm going to plant them this spring, my idea was that I might make a bat from one of them in about 20 years time. Bit of a longer term project. I figured I might plant a few out at my cricket club, if I can get the approval of the Committee.
It then occurred to me that if everyone planted a couple of willows at their local grounds, it would help to ensure that there's enough wood for the next generation of batmakers, and players. Willow is scarce, and stocks are being hoovered up to meet increasing global demand. If we don't engage with this issue now, then our grandkids will be using bats made from aluminium or pine, and the game will really suffer. I appreciate that this idea may not be feasible everywhere, or might need special permissions, but if some of us started things rolling then a trend might develop.
Anyway, if anyone is interested to help me start a discussion, feel free to comment.
Cheers, Justin