Ivy's gone

Finally got the remainder of the ivy off the road gable (and part of the roof) at the weekend.  What a job!  Ivy tangles round itself as it grows, and it clings (like it's life depends on it - and it did, but not any more) to the joints in the stonework with it's fibrous roots.  So a fair bit of mortar came off with the ivy, but it all has to be repointed anyway so that's no real problem.  Fortunately there were no nesting birds in there, which was my main concern.  If you want to see what it looked like before, check Google Maps which now has a good StreetView photo of this wall.

Also had a site visit from a good friend and ex-work colleague who is now a property developer.  He gave us some great advice and is meeting us later this week to tell us more.  He's really excited about the barn but fears he's too busy to get formally involved, at least for the next year or so.  Mind you, the time things are taking at the moment that might just fit in!

And had another chat with our neighbour to (almost) conclude agreement about the fence and removing his willow tree.  Looks like removing that tree will be our first job next weekend.  Meanwhile, managed to scramble onto our old lean-to roof to get the little tree off the top of our 'Pisa' wall.