I'm a bit slow on the uptake, but I get you now- the birds are probably eating the parasite!!!, jesus, I'm a bit thick sometimes. I would love to get my Brother round with the old chainsaw and tear the tree down- but it's a big one- and according to the council I have to apply for permission and pay for some sort of permit. Cheeky chuff-holes. It's not even on my land. I'm sure there is a sign down by the river saying who owns and maintains the area, I think its the woodland trust or something, I might fire them my best concerned type of e-mail threatening to escalate the shit out of the situation. hmmm.