My Japanese Acer lost its leaves as it was supposed to but new ones havent grown on the existing branches - however there is lots of new growth

I'm not sure what you mean - are you saying that the branches are growing, but minus any foliage? Or that some are growing with leaves and some aren't?

Maybe a photo would help, but if some branches are bare, try snapping a twig and see if it snaps off with brown wood - dead - or just bends - alive. Also try scraping back half an inch of bark on the non-leafy branches. If the wood underneath is brown, the branch is dead. If it's green, there's life there.

You could prune out the dead bits - but I'd really like to see a photo before I advise you to do that.

And where is this new growth coming from. Most Japanese acers are grafted, if the new growth is from below the graft then the acer itself is dead and the root stock it was grafted onto is taking over. As SpritzH says we really need a photo.

Hi to both, thanks for replying! Hopefully I have uploaded the picture so you can see it. the new growth is coming from around the same locations as the old branches. The older branches looked like they had buds on them but have not changed since May, and have not grown. Some branches have 'woody' parts in the middle and some are still bendy.

Sorry no photo

Tried again... think Ive odne it this time!

Tried again - think Ive done it this time!

Looking at your photos you have growth from above and below the graft. Cut back all the obvious dead wood as far as possible and also remove the growth with green leaves that is coming from below the graft. If you don't it will take over the tree, which is going to look more like a shrub than a tree from now on. If the other darker purple foliage is also coming from the acer that needs removing as well.

Hi
Thanks for the info - much appreciated. I will take the plunge and start wielding the pruning shears.... looks like I might have to try again with an acer that doesnt shed its leaves (like nextdoors which is a different sort and is lovely!)
Thanks again.

All acers shed their leaves in autumn...

then theirs isnt an Acer - novicegardener.....!

No it isn't, you'll need to ask them what it is...