News 2004

Press Release 8th December 2004

	Nature reserve's mini-makeover - Sleaford Target

LIFE was 'pleachy' in Sleaford's Mareham Pastures local nature reserve over the weekend when there was an opportunity to learn the traditional country skill of hedge laying.

Expert David Rodger, of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), led the two-day training on how to create perfect hedges. Hedgerows are a traditional form of field boundary that exists as a result of deliberate planting and maintenance. As hedges grow, they gradually become more tree-like and less bush-like; gaps tend to appear lower down and they cease to be an effective barrier. It is at this point that the hedge should be 'laid', both to fill in the gaps and to ensure the long term viability of the hedge by promoting vigorous re-growth from the base.

 

TRADITIONAL - Hedge laying is the traditional way of managing hedges in Lincolnshire and has been carried out for hundreds of years. Laying involves cutting nearly all the way through the base of the stems and laying them over at an angle of about 35 degrees. The cut stems - pleachers - are tucked tightly together, staked vertically and bound horizontally for strength with hazel to produce a strong hedge. Stumps are left as clean and tidy as possible as this is where re-growth is most desired, and eventually a new hedge will grow from the already established root system. In the meantime the laid pleachers act as a living barrier as well as protecting the re-growth.

 

Anyone interested in what is happening at Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve can now receive regular news updates by email – contact Zoë Watson – Secretary at info@marehampastures.co.uk. and ask to be added to the supporters list.

For any other information please contact Zoë Watson – Secretary of the Friends of Mareham Pastures via email.

info@marehampastures.co.uk

Alternatively contact Matthew Davey, Environmental and Community Project Officer, Lincolnshire County Council, Conservation Services:

Tel: 01522 554832

Alternatively contact Matthew Davey, Environmental and Community Project Officer, Lincolnshire County Council, Conservation Services:

Tel: 01522 554832

 

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