[Talljohn]

Last year I laid out the patch and needed something to cover the paths - ideally free.

What did th job was a quick drive along the back road to the next village where the road guys had been trimming hedges and chipping the trimmings. Left by the road in nice easy to pick up piles of lovely clean chips! OK it took about eight trips to get what i needed, but well worth the effort.

I notice they have done the same in some woodland on the way into town here - its just there for the taking - as oppossed to driving past it to B&Q.

NB -keep an eye on Homebase - they will seiously reduce pallets of stone items if the lines are discontinued - I have edged my beds with really nice stone effect edging stones - a pallet was about £ 250 - I got two pallets for £ 60 - well worth it.

I love a bargain - or better still a freebie!      

[Space_Cowby]

My understanding was that the chippings are now left insitu in 'cones' to allow bugs etc to nest there.

[Talljohn]

I did not know that - I just thought they were being lazy and not taking them away, therefore any were there for the taking.

I wouldn't think it was a natural enviroment - the chips clog together making them ideal for weed supressing.