Tiplady Farm: 07-10-2025

This week was the International Week of Happiness at Work, which chimed very well with the NCVs' task of hedge laying. As it is a job the NCVs enjoy, there was a good chance that they would, indeed, be happy in their labours. They were back to Tiplady Farm to work on the second of their hedges. (The laying of the first was completed in January 2024.) 

Alongside the workers was an inspection team from the 'International Working Conditions Inspectorate' (IWCI) to check on happiness levels of the workers. They were using the Int. Week of Happiness at Work point allocation system H, a tried and tested assessment scale used when checking on hedge laying work in particular. Their final report is included below.

Stem size of hedge plants?

This can make or break a worker's morale. In this case the stems were, for the most part, reasonably thin.

Score: 8 points

 However, points were lost as everyone realised that they were behind a wire fence that needed removing before laying could begin. Some "Oh Nos!" were heard.

Score: - 3 points

Sub total 5/10

Prickliness of hedge species? 

The presence of blackthorn, hawthorn and rose can often result in low happiness ratings. The Tiplady hedge contained all three. However, the presence of numerous hazel trees boosted the score here. 

Score:  5/10

State of the working surface? 

Weather conditions can markedly affect the score here. The recent passing through of Storm Amy could have left the ground sodden and muddy. However - not so. It was as green by 2pm as it was at 9:30am.

Over trousers were taken home clean!

Score: 10/10

Support from managers?

The appearance of Liz's chainsaw is bound to add happiness points. Likewise her extra trip to collect additional tools showed a good level of support.

Score: 10/10 

Energy level boosters provision? 

The supply of coffeetime goodies from Amy was guaranteed to put smiles on NCV's faces...

...as was the delicious cake provided by the landowner!!

Somewhere comfortable to sit, out of the wind, always scores additional points.

Score:  10/10

Number of workers smiling as they work? (Add one point per smiler. Sample of work force to be checked: 33% or 6 workers out of the 18 present) 

The NCVs are a pretty forgiving bunch when it comes to working conditions so smiles are usually in good supply:

Plus 1 point.

Plus 2 points

Plus 2 points

Zero point due to a broken spade handle.

Score: 5/6

Correct tool provision? (Loppers, bowsaws, pruning saws, hammers, axes, spades. metal cutters,  wood, nails and rakes  should be available.)

In fact ALL of the necessary equipment was in good supply and the inclusion of fire lighting resources was very welcome saving mounds of brash having to be left in the field.

Score:  10/10

Progress made? (Account should be taken of number of workers and time worked.)

The length of the hedge to be laid was 150m. By close of play 150m of fencing had been removed and 50 metres of hedge had been laid. Everyone felt very pleased with themselves. 

Score: 10/10

Overall score: 65/76 = 85.5%  Grade A equivalent.

Overall Comment:

The inspectors found that this group of workers were working at an unusually high level of happiness, especially given that they were working in an unpaid capacity. There was a high degree of camaraderie within the group. Those interviewed seemed highly satisfied with their day of hedge laying and were willing to return next week to continue the job.