Hedgelaying working holiday

This week we have had another working holiday. The group came to learn how to lay hedges but first we needed to gather our hedging stakes and binders, so day one saw us visiting Wenlock Edge to coppice hazel. We were treated to a beautiful day, cool and bright, and the views were lovely. The team worked hard, half of them up on the steep bank cutting the hazel and ash while the others processed the useable material into stakes and binders. By the end of the day, they had managed to cut 150 stakes and 150 binders - good work! Jess, Becky and I took along the storm kettle and made sure there was plenty of tea available to keep the workers going.

On Tuesday the group started laying hedges, working on a hedge at Betton Farm on the west side of the Estate. They were given the best possible start by spending the day with professional craftsman Karl Liebscher. Working in pairs, the team got stuck in and were soon pleaching their way through the hawthorn. Wednesday was a day off - after all, it is a holiday! - and gave the group a chance to explore the local area under their own steam.

Today Jess and I worked with the group, burning the unused brash and once more keeping that kettle going it - we needed it in the constant rain! Tomorrow is the groups last day, and they will be finishing off their sections of hedge before lunch at Attingham and a tour of the mansion. The hedge is looking good so far so thanks to the team for all their hard work!

Edited to add more photos!

Kettle on and drying off the gloves to keep the volunteers toasty warm!

A chilly start to Friday