KSCP Volunteers filmed for BBC Documentary
The Kentish Stour Countryside Project's conservation
volunteers were out last week doing some hedge laying at Chislet, near
Hersden. But they weren't alone!
The volunteers had a feeling that they were being
watched! The BBC had come out to film the volunteers on one of their
weekly conservation tasks. The filming was for a new natural history
programme coming to our screens in the autumn and fronted by Alan
Titchmarsh. The volunteers were filmed undertaking a traditional form of
hedge management, laying a hedge to improve its value for wildlife.
Hedge laying involves partially cutting the trees and
shrubs within the hedge at their base, just enough to be able to lie them
over at about 30 degrees. Stakes are then driven into the hedge in a line
and long hazel binders are woven through the tops of the stakes to form an
effective stock proof barrier. The cut stems will continue to grow as they
have only been partially cut and more growth will appear from the cut base
so producing a thicker hedge. The art of hedgelaying was originally used
by farmers to make their hedges stock proof, before the invention of wire
fencing!
Matt Hayes Countryside Officer for the KSCP said "
The volunteers really enjoy hedge laying, it’s a fun task. When you look
back along the hedge at where you started, you get a great sense of
achievement."
Volunteer tasks are carried out every Wednesday and
Thursday and occasional weekends. If you are interested in volunteering or
would like any more information about the KSCP contact
us.
