Information on Loughborough

Have a go at hedgelaying down at Morley Quarry

Posted on 08/02/2012
newsdesk

VOLUNTEERS are being invited to try their hand at a traditional craft and help to create a wildlife haven at Morley Quarry.

Charnwood Borough Council’s Access to Nature Officer Tim Adkin is this weekend leading a project to cut and lay a hedgerow in the local ‘Midlands Bullock’ style.

Hedgelaying is a traditional way of creating a barrier for livestock and for giving greater weather protection to crops and wildlife. Hedgerow trees are skilfully shaped into a fence-like barrier, which in turn encourages the hedge to increase its growth and strength. These also support a wealth of wildlife by creating a dense hedge for nesting birds and small mammals, such as woodmice and bank voles.

The work is taking place at Morley Quarry, Shepshed at 10am Sunday, February 12.

Tim said: “This sort of activity is very important for the Council’s commitment to protecting the environment and will also create habitat for Charnwood’s wildlife.”

Tim will use his expert knowledge to guide volunteers through the production of these livestock-proof barriers.

The stems of Hawthorn are cut through and then pushed over at an angle and then layered with other stems (or “pleachers”) . When 4ft 6 ins high, the Hawthorn is secured with stakes driven into the ground behind the layered stems,then the hedge is woven along the top with Hazel ‘binders’. These give maximum strength to the new hedge.

Tim said: “These hedges are vital components of the landscape as well as providing wildlife corridors. It’s wonderful to be keeping the traditional Midlands method of hedgelaying alive while creating a home for some of our wildlife at the same time!”

To have a go at this traditional craft join the Charnwood Conservation Volunteers at Morley Quarry, Shepshed at 10am Sunday, February 12.

Access is from Iveshead Road in Shepshed and the meeting point is the end of Morley Lane, in the public car park.

For more information please contact the Council’s Access to Nature Officer Tim Adkins on 01509 634975 or at Tim.adkins@charnwood.gov.uk.

To read more about the Charnwood Conservation Volunteers visit http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/charnwoodconservationvolunteers.