The Training season kicked off today with 10 trainees, who were paired up and allocated a trainer for the day, including Mark and Andrea from the National trust.
Todays hedge was a double planted hawthorn hedge which looked pretty easy, but don't they always?
Some of the stems were pretty thick, which was a challenge for those with blunt tools, our newly qualified chainsaw users were happy they had something a bit meaty to play with :-)
We also have some old faces who we have not seen for a few years, lets hope we can keep them motivated to turn up a little more often.
With the Nationals looming a few of the regulars were keen to get some practice in, after all we want to put in a good show!
Scotney Castle run regular estate walks, so we actually had a few tour groups visiting which was a great chance to talk to people about hedge laying, having visited this site for a few years they have some great re-growth to view.
Last years trainees put on a good show, although some of the lower sections were a lot more tricky, especially as the little ditch at the top of the hill was quite a lot more noticeable, meaning a lot of effort trying to climb the bank to get to the hedge.
All the trainees managed to complete their sections, and they were looking pretty good, so well done to them, and their instructors. At the next event they will get a different instructor so they will get a different take on the craft (everyone seems to do things slightly differently)
I will mention the tool sharpening day which is at the end of November, as a few people could do with putting a decent edge on their tools - we've all been there! Let me know if you want to come, it's only a tenner and will make a huge difference to your cutting.
We managed to complete the entire hedge which is really good going as when we first went to Scotney it took two visits to complete the same amount.
Pictures as always
https://flic.kr/s/aHsm78HK5i