Hurst gets the hedge!
Update on Environmental projects

Hogmoor Lane

The HVS was successful in obtaining a £3,200 grant to enable the hedge in Hogmoor Lane to be traditionally laid. This represented the culmination of a longer-term biodiversity project that began in 1998 when volunteers replanted the original hedge with mixed native species. The replanting was necessary because the dead elm that made up the majority of the hedge was removed for safety reasons, leaving a rather desolate landscape!

Local hedge layer Richard Girdler, assisted by Ty Bolton, took 3 weeks during November/December last year to lay the 180m stretch of hedge. This traditional management technique encourages new growth, particularly from the base, resulting in a very thick hedge. Historically, the main purpose of hedge laying was to create a stock proof barrier but it also created good habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. This is the reason that conservationists prefer hedge laying to flail cutting. Annual flail cutting promotes re-growth at the top of the hedge. The result is a sparse base that provides less cover and lacks winter food for wildlife.

The HVS would like to thank The Environmental Trust for Berkshire (landfill tax money) and the landowner, The Lady Ingram Trust, for funding the project.

St Nicholas Church Graveyard

Volunteers turned out on 26th February to replant a section of the graveyard hedge that had been destroyed by a car fire. Everyone worked hard digging out the burnt stumps and replanting with native hornbeam shrubs. HVS felt it was particularly important to restore this boundary as it is in the conservation area. Funding was obtained from a campaign called Environment Agency Action Earth. This is supported by the Environment Agency and organised by the charity Community Service Volunteers. The campaign provides small grants of up to £50 for projects of immediate and lasting benefit to the environment. Projects can be registered by calling 0121 328 7455