Overheard in Elland Park Wood

‘I’ve got trouble with one of the branches,’ Ash sighed.

‘Oh, I thought there was something in the wind,’ Hazel was sympathetic.

‘Cross my palm with silver,’ Birch butted in. ‘and I’ll give you a bit of advice.’

‘Ha,ha! Come on then,’

‘Don’t go out on a limb over it!’

Ash groaned.

‘It’s worse than that though, Laurel promised to turn over a new leaf so that’s okay, but…’

‘But what?’

‘I’m still worried.’

‘Oh Ash, you’re such a worry-wort!’

‘Trouble in one branch, and… well, you know what happened to Elm.’

The others shivered as if a cold draught was blowing.

‘It can’t happen here…’ Birch swayed a little, ‘Can it?’

‘Of course, it can,’ Ash said. ‘I feel it in me now.’

‘Yes, well,’ Hazel was sympathetic, ’It can’t be easy to keep losing your keys.’

‘Indeed not. I feel naked without them.’ Ash replied.

‘Coppice….’ Birch said, and they heard the buzz of the saw begin.