We took on two sessions of scrub laying along the boundary of Oak Farm, Harpsden on Thursday 9 and Saturday 11 January. The task was to cut partially through some heavy stands of hazel, blackthorn and spindle and lay the material slightly uphill and away from the road and passing traffic. The stretch of hedge was about 300m in length and the group completed laying about half of this in the time available. This was a quick and easy version of hedgelaying with pleachers but, unlike the sculpted result we aim for on other sites, no posts or heathering. However the appearance is very workmanlike and with the amount of brush produced in compacted layers the habitat opportunity is excellent with the promise of strong future growth.
Mike Saunders 25/1/2014
