Our regular cutters were all signed in and raring to go, but we only had 5 trainees. We decided to give each trainee a section and a trainer each, and divide the rest of the hedge between the regular cutters. Our trainees trickled in once we got started cutting, so Gary allocated them each to a separate cutter.
Our hedge was a little bigger than we we used to at this site, so many of us who didn't bring a chainsaw were either doning a lot of axe work, or getting a helping hand from the wise cutters.
The hedge went down quite quickly, and right on que Phil Hart arrived with stakes and binders
I was working next to David Dunk, who helped with some chainsaw work, and provided a master class on axe work. He manages to make it look so easy, although with a lot more practice I'm sure we can give him a run for his money.
A little earlier than expected the rain started, so Chris cheered up. Luckily most of us only had to finish the binders and trim up, so we just got wet rather than soaked.
All the sections were very respectable, this years trainees are picking it up well. Hopefully some of them will get the bug and continue cutting with us.
Big thanks ask always to Chris and Frank for arriving very early and putting out the signs, for Gary helping to organise everyone, and Phil for collecting stakes and binders. And of course to everyone who helped coppice; it's a critical part of hedge laying.
Pictures on google
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xRfKX5UPQGEYeaUa8