Blog by Kevin. Photos by Julio
11 Green Green Gym regulars including our leader, Kevin, who had kindly stepped in, came along to Hinksey Heights to do some hedge laying and blocking of gaps in the hedge to deter walkers from inadvertently straying onto the new nine-hole golf course at Hinksey Heights, which was causing safety issues for them and the golfers. We had done this before a few years ago but it was time to block the gaps again.
We were able to park a short way from the work site to unload the equipment, which made it easy for the team to get going. We disturbed a green woodpecker on the walk to the site and watched red kites in the sky, with the lovely view of Oxford in the background, which made a pleasant start to the morning.
There were two main gaps and few minor ones on the farmer's field side that needed our attention first. These had been marked out on a previous recce with John Brimble. Using the branches and brash that the Greenkeepers had cut and left near the hedge for us, we started to build substantial structures to hopefully last. The impressive constructions were a example to their skill the volunteers have acquired over the years in conservation work.
By the time for our refreshment break, the gaps on the field side were finished. When the break was over we could concentrate on using up the rest of the cut material to fill as many of the gaps on the Golf course side as well. The volunteers spread out along the hedge row and created their own individual style of woven branches in between the young beech etc that were already there, which will make great habitat for invertebrates. Kevin had said he would be judging their creative skills and originality, but it in the end, it proved too hard for him to choose a winner!
So efficient were the volunteers that we managed to used all the cut branches and brash that had been left for us to use, which meant we could finish our session a bit early as a bonus.
Kevin briefs the team
One of the gaps in the hedge that needed to be blocked
Once we had knocked some stakes in, Rosie gets weaving
The stakes may be high, but good progress is being made
We also had some planks of wood at our disposal and used these to sure our defences
Another gap filled
Lesley and David work on another section of hedge that needed attention
Kevin, James and Ursula work out their next steps
A welcome break!
Rhian weaving branches in. This will form good habitat for invertebrates, as well
Rhian's handiwork - the finished article
David's hedge, which will be great habitat for lots of invertebrates
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