If you are a regular visitor to Newton Pool at Low Newton by the Sea, you may have
noticed that the hedge has been slowly changing shape over the last few months. Although
it might look like we have been hacking it to pieces, we have in fact been busy
laying the hedge.
Hedgerows
are valuable habitat for hundreds of species so their upkeep is vital to
biodiversity in the area. Hedgelaying prevents trees from growing to full size,
encouraging them to regenerate more densely, lower down. This extends the
life of the hedge and provides plenty of bushy cover for wildlife.
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| Volunteers hard at work © Kate Bradshaw |
Most of the hedge that has been 'layed' at Newton Pool is Hawthorn and Blackthorn, which means plenty of thorns - great for protecting the hedge, but less so for the volunteers trying to cut it down!
Hedgelaying involves cutting through the majority of a stem/trunk to leave a thin sliver that attaches the tree to its base.
Hedgelaying involves cutting through the majority of a stem/trunk to leave a thin sliver that attaches the tree to its base.
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© Kate
Bradshaw
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| A freshly 'layed' and staked section of hedge © Jane Lancaster |
Earlier in the year, we coppiced some willow trees around
Newton Pool as part of our yearly tree management work. From the coppiced material we collected stakes; these are placed at
intervals along the hedge and provide stability until the trees recover.
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| That looks like it will make some good stakes... © Kate Bradshaw |
There are many different styles of hedgelaying depending on the species of tree,
type of hedge and geographical location. It is possible that we have created a whole new style during our time working at Newton Pool, as we are not too sure which category it fits into, but it does the job!
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| The newly 'layed' hedge! © Kate Bradshaw |
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