Hedgelaying Taster Day by Russell Woodham

After a very hot Saturday preparing and clearing out the hedge at Wyke Farm near Chedington, we were ready for this years Taster Day organised by the Melplash Agricultural Society. A very muggy Sunday morning welcomed the participants from as far afield as Stonehenge. Due to expecting very hot weather we briefed participants and very quickly got into our work parties.

Good progress was made by all and during late morning we had a tea break in any shade that could be found which gave an opportunity for a few questions to be answered and a chance to see how everyone was getting on. We were then ready to return to work and very soon the hedge consisting of Holly, Blackthorn, Hazel and Maple started to take shape.

During the short stop for lunch, entry forms were passed around and details given about the upcoming Melplash Hedgelaying competition later in the month. It is hoped many of the people on the training day would take part in their first competition.

Not put off by the heat, the very warm hedgers progressed and the allocated length of hedge was laid all in good time.

Our thanks go to the hosts, Wyke Farm for the location and Mark Tilley for arranging the hedge. Thanks also to our photographer, Tim Russ for another great album of pictorial history and very special thanks to our Instructors.