Second time trimming hedgerows

It was time for my second go at facing the walls of thorns in the hedgerows of Bird's farm today, as I grabbed my loppers and got to work. Fortunately, I was better attired this time - jeans are most definitely better than joggers when it comes to entering masses of brambles, and some tougher gloves gave me the option to grab handfuls of brambles and whimsically cast them aside! It was most definitely better. I was also more capable of handling the copious quantities of mud that lay between the farm and the hedgerows, now that I was equipped with some wellington boots. We completed the section of hedgerow that we were working on, which was good, but I'm sure that there are plenty more just like it! One of the two electric fences was broken today - probably due to some brambles being snagged on it, and pulled loose. I felt that I was much more productive today, capably hacking through at least ten feet of hedgerow to complete the tunnel, as it were. We might be doing this again, but I heard word of a potential bonfire soon, so who knows?

Third time hedge cutting

It was surprising to think that there was any more hedge to cut, but there was, albeit a relatively small amount. We finished off the small stretch of hedge that we were cutting before, and went on to some different ones, which were comprised mainly of brambles. This was not a concern, as we had been administered with a tool that we were told was called a slasher. it was essentially a hooked spear, which allowed for rapid destruction of hedges. After the majority of the destruction was over, we had a fire to dispose of the waste cuttings from the hedges - it was at this point that it began to rain, which did not aid the situation with the mud on the field, which formed layers inches thick on our boots, and was the catalyst for a small-scale mud fight. We managed to do no damage to the electric fence this time, which is better than last time, the results of which being a large section of the wire having to be replaced! I assume that this was the conclusion of the hedge cutting, and I know that there are plenty more activities in store.

Final time hedge cutting

Today there were plans for a much larger fire than last time - four of us set to work clearing away the final strip of hedge (with some assistance from Vince), thus providing even more fuel for the fire. This time the fire was considerably larger, and not hindered by the rain, and so with some assistance from members of the group, it was an impressive blaze. The brambles, however, were not in short supply, administering many small and thoroughly irritating cuts and scratches - this was not assisted by the persistent rain of hot ashes from the fire, many of which were still partially ablaze. It has to be said that, these last two sessions that I spent using some borrowed loppers were considerably easier, both because of the higher quality of the loppers and the ease in transporting them in a bicycle pannier and looking like you are going to damage something - I was never so sure (paranoid) that I would be receiving some interesting glances from passers by with some large loppers protruding from my pannier. Vince thinks that we may be coppicing osiers again next time... I won't miss the brambles!

Last assessed session

Today we returned to coppicing osiers - I had forgotten how much fun it was (but I don't think it can beat wading around in a brook!). We were joined today by some of the adult volunteers, as a photographer from the Daily Telegraph was there, taking photos for an article about the importance of volunteering. I managed to be my usual adept self when the lens was pointed at me - fortunately, I think it all turned out fine. The weather was not the best, but thankfully the rain held off for us; a light drizzle picked up towards the end, though. While this was my last assessed session, I don't think that it will be my last. Even if my attendance is irregular from now on, I intend to continue attending whenever other commitments permit me to, as I have really enjoyed my time volunteering, and I am very glad to have had this experience. The opportunity to be active and helpful does not always manifest itself in my lifestyle, and so this was a unique opportunity to do good in the community, and get my DofE at the same time!