Some quick thinking and a few phone calls by our Chairman , Phil Hart, got over the extremely muddy and impassable grass track to the hedge - he obtained the use of a powerful quad bike and trailer , to transport tools and equipment to and from the remote parking area to the hedge.
The hedge was much as TD1- a nice mixed hedge with hawthorn, maple , hazel, rose and hornbeam, which had been laid before. Once the old stakes, binders and pleachers had been removed , it was clear that the remaining stems could be mainly pleached with hand tools; some thicker stems needed chainsaw intervention.
The rain hardly relented all day, making the base of the hedge very muddy and underwater in some instances. Despite this trainees stuck to their task really well and got the hedge down in quick time. It was evident that trainees who had been on TD1 were getting the hang of things.
Staking and binding was much aided by the brilliant chestnut stakes and willow binders provided by David Dunk.
It was great to see Dave Truran back cutting again- welcome back Dave.
The finished hedge is a great example of quality hedge laying and the trainees should be proud of their efforts.
Despite the weather, the day went like clockwork, thanks to the Society's team of Trainers, organisers and co-ordinators , who without their efforts the day would not have gone so well.
The next 2 Society events are:-
Coppicing Day 1 - Wakehurst Place Ardingly- 18 November 2023 (contact Matthew Beard [email protected] )
Training Day 3 ( TD3) - Dane Hill - 2 December 2023 ( Contact Frank Wright [email protected] )
HOLD the date - 17 February 2024- Annual Competition at Patching near Findon West Sussex