[chrisjsmith]

Is this normal? - it had leaves last week!  It was inherited from the landlord a couple of years ago and has had precisely no attention recently from myself.

http://cid-6d3442f539c09c5d.photos.live.com/self.aspx/Plants/DSCN1064.JPG?lc=2057

[DD.]

Sounds & looks like sawfly:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/advice/pests_and_diseases/nonflash_index.shtml?sawflies

[Babstreefern]

Agree with DD, definitely sawfly problem.  Looks unsightly, but it will be ok for next year.  I've got estoppel which I sprayed the bush and the ground early part of this year and no trouble.

[chrisjsmith]

Excellent - thanks for the diagnosis.  I need to get one top of the spraying