Monday
Today Jasper Prachek, a professional hedge layer, ran the day's advanced hedge laying training at Low Lindrick Farm near Ripon. Six NCVs took part in this and the photos below give a flavour of the day. The weather stayed dry and we really managed to hone our skills, first learned two years ago. Jasper did an excellent job of making sure we achieved a level to be proud of without losing any fingers!
Jasper shows the group the good and bad points of a hedge recently laid during a competition. The picture on the right shows what we were meant to be aiming for.
This was what we were starting from - so plenty of work lay ahead.
The first pleach of the day took place
under close scrutiny.
Dave sawed off one of the stubbs.
Jasper showed Jan how to lay a tree around a post.
You need to keep looking at your hedge to make
sure it has no gaps and is even on both sides.
Ros E.
Tuesday
Eleven eager beavers met John Black from the MOD at Ellington Banks to continue the clearing of saplings from around the ponds. For those who had not been to the site before John gave us a brief introduction and pointed out the risks involved. In glorious sunshine we quickly set to work with our trusty loppers and saws.
Everyone spread out - the saplings were easy to spot this week!!
Chris set to work on a new brash pile....
...whilst Terry played with fire.
No explosives were used in the making of this blaze.
Lunch time at last.
By 2pm a halt was called to cutting and all that remained to do was finish off the brash piles and watch the fire burn. John explained that the best time to treat the stumps with herbicide is when they have produced some fresh growth, which he will do in May.
By end of play there was a 'street' of Great Crested newt
hibernation homes around the pond.
The pond now looks good - but what has caused these ridges
that have been revealed? John is going to find out for us.
Last job of the day - watching the fire die down.
No shortage of volunteers for that task!
Anita
Meanwhile back at Low Lindrick farm another group undertook a day of beginners' hedge laying training with Jasper. This included the Heritage Skills students and a tutor, as well as some from other volunteer groups. The photos tell the tale.....
The day started with the inevitable talk about
health and safety regarding tools.
Everyone had to start by fronting up the hedge
to remove most of the vegetation.
Once just a few stems remained Osian got busy
with his saw in order to lay one flat.
Two of the students both worked with Jasper learning how to keep
the saw blade flat. Two ended sawing is better than one.
Tom set his first rail in place.
By close of play the hedge was really looking good.
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