Today there were plans for a much larger fire than last time - four of us set to work clearing away the final strip of hedge (with some assistance from Vince), thus providing even more fuel for the fire. This time the fire was considerably larger, and not hindered by the rain, and so with some assistance from members of the group, it was an impressive blaze. The brambles, however, were not in short supply, administering many small and thoroughly irritating cuts and scratches - this was not assisted by the persistent rain of hot ashes from the fire, many of which were still partially ablaze. It has to be said that, these last two sessions that I spent using some borrowed loppers were considerably easier, both because of the higher quality of the loppers and the ease in transporting them in a bicycle pannier and looking like you are going to damage something - I was never so sure (paranoid) that I would be receiving some interesting glances from passers by with some large loppers protruding from my pannier. Vince thinks that we may be coppicing osiers again next time... I won't miss the brambles!