Scrub and hedgelaying potential

Colin has been in since this morning topping up the bird feeders and hoppers whilst Steve has been continuing his efforts to stake downed trees across the reserve.

Meanwhile I put the finishing touches to the new Honeybee display before heading back out to the corner where the Wetland and Risedale Beck paths meet.

I focused on the other side of the path today an area which was heavily overgrown with brambles and gorse located just below the O of orchard on the map below.

I've had my eyes on this area for a week or so now, however it was only after I got started that we realised that this little patch of scrub had hedgelaying potential.

The corner already has a number of Hawthorn, some of which were being severly strangled by brambles. Interestingly the best specimens form a rough semi circle, which if laid correctly could create a novel sheltered picnic area.

In order for this cunning plan to work the desired length of hedge would first need to be underplanted and then left unmolested by brambles for a couple of years before the whole lot could be laid.

It may be sacrilegious to say it, but I imagine a Midland Bullock style would be more appealing in this setting rather than the traditional Yorkshire style:

Regardless of the grand hedge laying scheme it was well worth getting the area tidied up, as it really helps open the place up, and gives a number of planted trees a fighting chance of recovery.

For more information on hedgelaying visit the National Hedgelaying Society by clicking here