Ahh - You should probably err on the side of caution then! The leaves are absolutely identical to my Bay, (I went and got one to compare) but I wouldn't want to make you ill!
Mini digger will get through a normal size gate. 3ft no problem I think. Stacked 3x3s could work nicely for a raised bed. If you're removing the grass, consider seeing aside an area for wildflowers, maybe get hold of some tree whips (you've probably missed the spring planting), things like...
Can you get a mini digger back there - You could have the grass off and reasonably levelled in no time. Then maybe put some nice borders in, have a little path between them. Veg plot at the end? There's loads of potential.
I'm currently cutting out some paths in fenced off bits of our land...
Yeah, most tree seeds need that process (stratification) in some way or other. A few months sounds extreme, although some seeds (Hawthorn for instance) needs 2 seasons so cold, warm, cold, maybe Damson is similar?
That's a fantastic idea, really like that :) Could it be that the stones you are using are coming from cultivars and may be difficult to germinate? I know more about trees than I did a year ago but my knowledge is still basic! I tried several different methods mainly with hazel last year and my...
Trees are my thing, am in the process of germinating 770 cells worth of Alder, Elder, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Rowan, Crabapple, Silver Birch & Hazel from seeds I've collected around our land. Have just planted out about 400 saplings from last year, I'll be giving some away this year!
Other half...
This one, I find strangely therapeutic (not for the slug obv), wandering round in the complete silence of night with a torch, probably talking to the slugs. You may see other nocturnal stuff knocking around as well....