Thanks to Tim for the photograph showing the recent harvesting of the cricket bat willows beside the Sustrans cycle path to Radley Lakes.

Andrew, who owns the land, planted the willows around 15 years ago and has now harvested the first crop. The trees had grown to more than 60 feet tall and are expected to produce around 40 cricket bats each once the timber has been seasoned. That is about 720 bats from the 18 trees.

It is a crop with a long-term plan. 24 more willows will be planted in December, already around 16 feet tall, and are expected to grow quickly with the water table close to the surface. They could add around three inches in girth each year and should be ready for harvesting around 2041.

Meanwhile, the other part of the field, planted at the same time with a variety of trees, continues to develop into woodland. The bendy branches from the willows will be used as a dead hedge along this woodland. Other branches, have been taken by the contractor for chipping.