I had the pleasure of another visit to the excellent Kingcombe Meadows Reserve today, as I had a couple of meetings at the Centre. It looks in a great condition, and the work of the wardens is evident all over the site.
Most notable is the amount of hedgelaying that has taken place in recent weeks. A traditional method of managing hedges to ensure they grow thick, and stock-proof. The lengths are split, laid down and re-growth forms along the length – so in effect, what was one branch/trunk grows into many others. It also opens up the light reaching the base of the hedge – encouraging early purple orchid, primrose and wood anemone to flourish. Well worth a return visit in the Spring!
It might not look like a hedge right now, but it will be a cracker of one in no time. It’s also really quite neat and tidy!
Images of my day 