What? No fire?
But it's Bonfire Night tomorrow!
The NCVs were hoping to get in the mood for Guy Fawkes Night this week, given that they were back at Tiplady Farm. They were intending to make the most of the opportunity to practise their bonfire tending skills, ready for the following evening. However - no such luck. It was decided to do without the usual fire due to the wet conditions first thing. On the upside, they were not going to be going home smelling like kippers.
Now - I know you've all seen it all before. You don't need me to tell you why we lay hedges or, indeed, how to lay them. So, without any further ado, I will just cut to the chase and let you see what transpired....
Julia and Dave rocked up in their
brand new electric car, looking
very svelte after their crash diet.
Down at the hedge there was a good
deal of 'facing up' to be done
before laying could begin.
This kept Tony busy with brash piling.
Once the hedge was faced up,
Adrian started pleaching.
Helena joined in the fun and
soon, everyone was laying stems
as if there was no tomorrow..
Luckily the rain stopped after a little
while so coffee time was held in the dry.
Lunchtime goodies were kindly provided
by landowner Janet. (Thanks Janet!)
Unlike visit 2, Liz and the chainsaw were
on hand today to ease the strain.
An 'OffHedge' examiner arrived to
check we were all pleaching properly.
We passed the inspection
with flying colours.
Ken started knocking in the posts
where the hedge was ready...
...and Julia and Dave, looking a little less
skinny after the lunchtime biscuits,
started attaching the rails.
Ruth and James laid the
two last stems...
...and by 2:15 the hedge was laid.
Just one more visit by a
small group to finish the rails
and burn the brash.
ADDITIONALLY....
In case you were wondering what went on during the half term week - not everyone had a week off!
Four hardy souls braved the windy conditions at Breakfold Farm near Thruscross to do a little more pond margin plug planting. As you can see below - at least it was sunny!!
Also - the week before, despite being covered in mud on the Tuesday, five other NCVs turned out two days later to fix a bridge and two stiles along a footpath near. Grantley.
Alistair keeps a watchful eye
on the other workers.
James was pleased to be given
the honour of removing some
dangerous barbed wire.
Amy felt very proud (and
rightly so) of the new stile that
she and Tim installed.
