Willows along gully below Blackwood Grove. Branched and bent trees have been pollarded (lopped) for goat fodder in late summer. Tall straight high pruned trees are Cricket bat timber willow. Blackberry reduced to ground cover by dense deciduous shade and occasional browsing by tethered goats. Willow root mats prevent erosion from urban storm water flood flows, catch sediment and absorb nutrients more effectively than any other tree. |