FSC Epping Forest was delighted to welcome three hedgelaying volunteers last week. Peter, Pat and Mark spent the day working their magic on othe car park hedge. Peter Vaughn is an FSC Associate Tutors, leading hedgelaying I&F courses for FSC Epping Forest every year.
Hedgelaying is a country craft which has been practised for hundreds of years. A well managed hedgerow is thick and bushy, an impenetrable barrier and a haven for wildlife. Hedgelaying is a maintenance method which promotes regrowth from ground level and ensures the health and longevity of the hedgerow.
The 20m section had been left to grow for a few years until it was ‘ready’, this meant it had started to look overgrown and out of control! As it is the first thing visitors see as they approach the Centre managing it correctly is important.
Following a hard days work, the hedge has gone from being tall with lots of spaces at a low level and lots of dead material to a hedge that is wildlife friendly and easy to maintain which also looks beautiful.
