A decade of green growth?

As a counterpoint to some of my gloomier posts, I was given a pictorial reminder yesterday of just how keenly nature is intent on undoing mankind's infrastructure.

The context was cutting back a roadside fallen dead tree (previously it had just been cut back to the edge of the tarmac following its demise), and its accompanying shrubbery (mostly privet and brambles).  

As work progressed I noticed an upright metal pole appearing out of the depths, and then another:

Eventually the penny dropped and I realised I was looking at a ex-road sign from a decade ago - the actual metal sign having been liberated, presumably when it fell off the posts.
  

There is, of course, a political aspect to this, as WSCC are responsible for this land, as part of the public highway, and Highways revenue budget has been more than halved in real terms over the last decade (it might have picked up a little very recently).  You get what you pay for (and I didn't mention potholes once).