Yeo Valley Woodland

News

HEDGEROW CONSTRUCTION AND PLANTING

The Friends of Yeo Valley Woodland have started into the busy winter schedule. Construction has started on approx 600 meters of new hedgerows that will provide a useful habitat for a variety of wildlife. Earth has been mounded from trenches and the first phase of the planting has taken place. The rows have followed the ancient lines of previous rows shown on a map dating back to 1800.

“Friends” turned out on a cold December Sunday morning (16th) armed with spades, canes, wraps and hedge whips. Working in teams, the canes were placed approx 5 to a meter in staggered double rows. “Diggers” followed cutting a slot for the “planters” to place the hedge whips in the ground supported by the canes. Finally these were wrapped to aid growth and reduce casualties from rabbits.

Various plant species were introduced including Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Native privet and Dogwood. It was pleasing to see various “Friends” turn up on the day including the Mayor, various children, some people who just turned up to help, the local police plus some of the usual smiling faces.

The warm mince pies were most welcome and provided sustenance just at the right moment before getting back to finishing off the last of the mornings planting.

The day was most successful and now that we have had a taster session, we can begin the rest of the planting that needs to be done. Keep an eye out for more dates coming up in the New Year.