Around 40 cutters assembled to tackle 2 mixed planted hedges that lined a footpath on a slope leading away from the hotel.
Phil Hart kicked the day off with a welcome and safety briefing and allocation of trainees to trainers .
The hedges varied in height and scale with the nearest hedge being more lightweight than the hedge on the other side of the path. The nearside hedge was allocated to trainees , whilst the far side hedge was predominantly given over to more experienced cutters. Mark Moore and Frank Wright were designated the gate ends to show how it was done.
Steady progress was made by all and by midday most were down and started to use stakes and binders produced from Coppicing Day 1 , which in the main were of good quality although some of the binders were a bit thick at the end. David Dunk supplied another 90 binders which are regarded the Rolls Royce of the binder world and were gleefully snapped up.
A more than presentable hedge was produced , which was in keeping with the high standards the Society sets itself.
Thanks and recognition must go to :-
- Frank - for following up the hedge lead and organising with the landowner + making last minute change of venue + marking out
- Phil - For assisting Frank set out, providing roving help where needed.
- Gary and the trainers - for assisting and helping novices and more experienced cutters alike.
- Tim - delivering the stakes and binders to site
The SEHLS roadshow next events are:-
- Coppicing Day 2 - 29.12.23- Blunts Wood Haywards Heath-Contact Matthew Beard [email protected]
- Improver's Day- 6.1.24- Buxted Park Hotel - Contact Frank Wright [email protected]
- President v Chairman Competition 20.1.24- Waldron - Contact Frank Wright [email protected]