2025
/Major works reached a clear milestone in 2025. Cleopatra’s Pool advanced to near completion with the inner walls, stairs, seating and aligned stone elements installed, leaving only outer walls and finishing details. The henge was fully resolved with a deep scoria cap, improved water management and the introduction of aquatic life, allowing focus to shift away from construction. Across the site, additional seating, targeted excavation and extensive lower-branch pruning improved structure, access and long-term legibility.
The year was marked by extended heat, dryness and later frosts, followed by limited rain late in the year. Despite this, tree losses were relatively low, with many established plantings proving resilient. Water quality management emerged as a key issue, particularly in the henge pool due to duck pressure. By year’s end, strong growth returned, many groves were assessed as largely self-sustaining, and the arboretum continued its transition from establishment to maturity and refinement.
1.7 Materials arrive for the next stage of Cleopatra’s pool
1.8 No concrete or steel was used
1.10 3 likely looking lads
1.15 The central pool finished
3.4 Now to build the surrounding walls. A good project for those that like jigsaws
3.5 Thank goodness for modern equipment
3.6 3/4 finished. Hopefully the last works will be completed in 2026
5.19 This is the Henge pool full of ducks. For those that are interested there are 104 in this photo. Just imagine the additional nutrient load in the water
10.1 Malus floribunda in spring
10.2 The ‘sacred’ Oak grove at dusk
10.21 Constructing the frame to protect the Bodhi tree from the wind and frost
10.22 Phase one complete
11.2 This Lebanese cedar blew over in the wind, the reason very ordinary root structure. Paying close attention to the root layout when planting repays the planter with happy strong trees.
11.3 Drone shot looking south
11.4 Drone shot looking north
11.13 Cleopatra’s pool filling naturally with water
11.14 Cleopatra’s pool from the drone
11.25 Speech in the Henge by the owner at the Open day
12.3 The Olive avenue near the summer solstice
12.4 Reflections in the Henge pool