We’ve been working at The Slipe, Warden Hill (Luton) laying a hedge on and off in the last month. We have 540 metres of hedge to lay!
The Green Corridors project is funded by Luton Borough Council and Chalk Arc and includes other types of work such as knee rail and revetment installation, step construction, path reinstatement. Some of this BTCV volunteers have carried out, whilst other contractors/volunteers (including Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust and BRCC) have or will be doing some of the work.
At the end of the project, the green corridors around Warden Hill / Bushmead / Bradgers Hill area of Luton will be nicer, safer for the public and better for wildlife.
Above: A before photograph of part of the hedge we are/will be laying (on the left).
Above: Steve getting to grips with a Billhook!
Above: This stand of Hazel (centre) and hawthorn (either side) has been layed.
Above: An example of a pleacher (the cut portion of the tree) which is still attached to the tree and will therefore survive and send out new shoots of growth come spring.
Above: Christian is banging in a stake here. Stakes are used to keep the layed hedge in place, to give it strength. Christian is learning that when you cut stakes, you don’t want to leave them too long or else you won’t be able to reach the top to bang it into the ground!
Above: After the stakes go in but before the binders (they’ll go on later).