GREEN volunteers went back in time and used traditional methods to transform an overgrown and neglected hedge in Cofton Hackett.

The piece of land, which borders The Stocken public bridlepath off the end of Chestnut Drive, was once used as allotments, but had become a wilderness in recent years. Barry Hodgson, clerk to Cofton Hackett Parish Council, said it was concerned that several holes had been made through the boundary hedge from the Stocken bridle path. This hedge had become very overgrown so it made inquiries to find a way of improving it and tidying up the area. Wade Muggleton, of Worcestershire County Council’s countryside services, inspected the hedge and suggested that if the parish could find a team of volunteers, he would supervise the work to lay the hedge in the old fashioned way.

The parish council advertised for volunteers to learn how to become a hedgelayer and about a dozen people came forward for each of two days held earlier this month.

On the first day the volunteers and Wade cleared undergrowth, ivy, brambles and barbed wire from the first half of the hedge line.

Barry said: “Wade then demonstrated the techniques of pleaching or almost cutting through the base of the hedge stems and laying them down at about 40 degrees to the ground. He then showed the inserting of vertical stakes of hazel every metre or so and adding the final topping made with twisted thin stems of hazel, called heathering which bind the whole structure together.”

Barry added: “After the two days work we have now got a section of laid hedge some 65 metres long, which will now grow and protect the boundary for several years to come.

“All the volunteers expressed their enjoyment at having spent time outdoors in good company and to have achieved a worthwhile new skill while improving a small area of Cofton Hackett.

“In fact, such was the enthusiasm we might arrange more work parties in the new year to do more outdoor work in the parish. Thanks must go to Wade for his excellent tuition and patience and to all volunteers who gave up their time to make the exercise a great success.”