Our first task of the year- hedgelaying outside UWE's Frenchay campus in Stoke Gifford. The overstood, leggy hedgerow bordering the university's entrance was the ideal height for restoration.
The lush green regrowth of the UWE hedge in July 2024.
Expert scything trainer Beth Tilston led a training session on how best to sharpen billhooks and scythes for conservation work. Tool sharpening is an essential part of the traditional craft of hedgelaying, as blunt tools make the task much more challenging!
Wickwar Community Fields- the hedgerow bordering the allotments was planted 12 years ago with a plan to hedgelay once tall enough, which the community group have achieved this winter (nearly 200m!). This specially cared for site has Great Crested Newts breeding in the pond nearby.
The hedgerow at Wickwar coming to life in spring.
New hedgerow planting took place in urban parks in Bath, including Alexandra Park and Roundhill Park. The young trees were supplied by More Trees BANES, a Bath based tree nursery where tree seeds are collected by volunteers in local ancient/semi-natural woodlands. Using local seed stocks helps to keep a minimal carbon footprint and reduce the likelihood of disease spread.
At The Community Farm in Chew Valley, volunteers restored 90m hedgerow by hedgelaying, and planted 242m new hedgerow to link up existing hedgerows. This site is fantastic for wildlife with badger setts and nesting barn owls within the mature trees of the hedgerows.
The hedgerow regrowth following hedgelaying in August at The Community Farm.
Growth of the 242m hedgerow whips to connect up existing hedgerows bordering The Community Farm.
Celebrating the achievements of volunteers at the end of the project, at The Old Crown in Weston. Guest Speaker Megan Gimber from People's Trust for Endangered Species gave a talk on the value of hedgerows ecologically, and what we can best to to preserve and enhance them in the South West.
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