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St Albans

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Introducing the Dead Hedge

Find our latest project with a wander past Batchwood Hall, following the path alongside the exit road.

Next to Hole Three is a small wooded area that is separated from the main wood and has been neglected. We have set about reviving it using the effort of both regular volunteers and our Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme teenagers.

This area is a mass of over-grown trees, brambles and debris. If we can let in the light, we think both plants and trees will thrive. It will look much nicer too.

To help us manage the piles of cleared materials we are building our first ‘dead hedge’. We place stakes in two rows about 60cm / 2-feet apart. As we clear the brambles and branches they are layered to form a barrier. This will help prevent people trampling bluebells and other plants as they reclaim the space.

We will coppice hazels with weaved baskets to protect them as they shoot new growth.

The area has been neglected and is very overgrown
As we clear the ground the debris is layered into a dead hedge
This natural protection to the ground plants will decay over time. We think it looks nice too!

February 5, 2025

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