Cylinders, site of the Merz Barn, the morning after Storm Arwen (November 27th). Our great cypress has gone – but see how it missed doing much greater damage! (Took the sewage pipe out however). Total damage has yet to be assessed but the Merz Barn itself is untouched.

Total damage to the trees on the site is extensive, but the Merz Barn itself is untouched. There is damage to the roof of the Drawing Office which, like the other after-effects of the storm, will take time to be assessed.

The whole of the Langdale Valley was without electricity for 54 hours, and the devastation was major. Cylinders is closed until further notice while we make it safe for visitors.

We are filled with thankfulness that nobody was hurt: even the little red squirrels are still bouncing about, and the hens and peacocks (which seem to have advanced warning of bad weather to come, and abandon their treetop roost well in advance of stormy weather) kept themselves safe.