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Hedging the Future 

  

The upper path at Cox's Walk Bridge eastern entrance, as it was in November 2020. The old dead-hedge which is being replaced is to the right of the path.

The first workday of 2022 saw volunteers starting to plant hedging along the western side of the upper path. It is intended that this hedge will run from the kissing gate on the eastern side of Cox's Walk Bridge for about a hundred metres of so. It comprises of four native species of hedging plants; wild privet, hazel, blackthorn and hawthorn. It will replace the dead hedge which used to act as the boundary to the path but has deteriorated to the point of collapse. Of course, the new hedge will provide food and cover for birds, invertebrates and small mammals.

 
It is a large undertaking that will take a few workdays to complete. However, the following photos will give an idea of the work being done. 
 
The old dead-hedge is being removed and invasive vegetation like brambles and holly is being cleared to prepare the strip next to the path for planting.

 
Slots are being dug into which the new hedging is planted.



Two images of planting in progress.

At the end of the workday, the first section of hedge has been planted. The volunteers are standing behind the new dead-hedge which runs parallel and will protect the plants until they have become established and are growing as a living hedge.


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