Hedgelaying at Battlemead Common was a quintessential GoodGym experience - outdoor, active, social and an opportunity to learn new skills. On a mild winter morning, seven GoodGymers met Braywick Rangers, WildCookham and local conservation volunteers to lay part of the wildlife hedge at Battlemead, along the Thames Path.

Today was day 2 of this activity and many present had already made a solid start yesterday. After the safety briefing, Ranger Tom gave us an introduction to hedgelaying: an ancient method to create natural barriers for wildlife and allow smaller animals to hide or travel along a safe corridor without being exposed to danger.

This is done by "pleaching" or laying down the 7 yr old trees which were planted for this purpose, making it a living structure! The trees are pleached (partially cut and bent), laid down, held in place with "weaving" the intertwining branches, held in place with stakes. Finally covered with "brash" (bush and branches which are cut away to make room to build the hedge) to prevent deer from eating berries and young shoots which will cover it soon.

So much to learn! Such a fascinating practice and fun as well!

We divided ourselves into groups: Angela, Viv, Diya and Nick tried their hand at pleaching. It was surprisingly nerve-wracking because you didn't want to be the one who cut through the whole thing killing the tree! Sheila, Kanika and Juli worked with Jane in weaving the hedge. The huge mallet for the stakes was a crowd favourite! Diya later worked with Ranger Rosie to cut branches to size and turn into stakes while Nick tried his hand at the stakes as well.

2 hours flew by and while some of us left at different times, Sheila stayed for the whole session, even recruiting Jane for GoodGym. Welcome Jane!

We'll be going back on 31st Jan/1st Feb, be sure to come along.