A changed landscape

As part of our grounds development we have been laying the main hedge running across the estate.  This hedge separates the Middle and Far Field. It had grown very high and needed to be re-layed to stimulate growth nearer the ground

Looking west in the Middle Field October 2014

Looking east from the Middle Field October 2014

After some initial clearance work to prepare the ground our public hedge laying day in December was extremely successful. 

ORCHARDFIELD-Ecological Contractors preparing the hedge October 2014

The Hedge prepared November 2014

The working party in action

 A gang of  happy volunteers worked hard and had lunch a of hearty stew served in bowls made of bread.

Inquisitive sheep examining the cleared hedge

Since the big day our excellent helpers Ian Cheeseborough and Pete Edwards from ORCHARDFIELD-Ecological Contractors have continued to cut back the remaining hedge and plant trees to fill potential gaps that might be left by the hedge removal.

The Preston Montford fields look very open at the moment and we looking forward to seeing the root stock re-generate in the spring. 

All the work has been co-ordinated by Education Team Leader Angela Munn and has been facilitated by funding from the FSC Green Fund.