• Sitemap
• Text Only
• Full Graphics

You are here: Home > News > Keeping The Traditional Art Of Hedge Laying Alive

• Keeping the traditional art of hedge laying alive

• Date:

  5th February 2008

• Contact:

  Sarah Egerton

• Organisation:

  The Civic Trust

A group of volunteers recently received training in the traditional art of hedge laying at Green Flag Award-winning Blackleach Country Park in Salford.

Hedge laying, a traditional method of hedge management, has been practiced for hundreds of years. The day was organised by the ranger team with awards for all lottery funding secured by the Croal Irwell Valley Voluntary Rangers. Local expert Rick Parker delivered the training which gave volunteers an opportunity to have a go at this age old technique.

Blackleach Ranger, Richard Marshall said: “Hedges are extremely important as they provide nest sites for birds and are home to a huge array of tiny plants and insects, which in turn provide food for other wildlife”.

The training will be followed by Blackleach’s annual hedge laying competition on Sunday 24th February, 11am – 3pm.

The Croal Irwell Voluntary Ranger Service is jointly run by the neighbouring boroughs of Bolton, Bury & Salford, and is your chance to give something back to your local environment. Teams of Countryside Rangers, in each local authority work closely with local communities, creating opportunities for people to get involved with exciting and innovative projects which will help shape their local countryside.

Volunteers work closely with the Rangers supporting them in practical conservation work, site and route patrols and helping out with events and guided walks. All volunteers undergo a short training course which covers basic Countryside Law, Navigation, First Aid and Dealing with the Public. Once training is completed, Voluntary Rangers will be allocated a uniform after a short probationary period.

The Voluntary Ranger Service is open to anyone over 18 who has a passion for their local countryside. To find out more, telephone 0161 793 4219.