BBC2

Kookaburra?? That was Tarzan before his voice broke!

 

Hornbeam, you are "hijacking" the thread, Sir. :D Interesting terminology that Strongy!
Sure, the oak programme on Friday did "hijack" the true topic, once again. However, although relatively off topic, I can't say that I didn't rather enjoy the whisky part - thats the viewing, thereof rather than the tasting, thereof :D

Royster

 

good morning:A:

 

It ain't hijacking, its thread drift :D - you know the same thing happens when chatting "now what were we talking about".

I didn't watch last Fridays second programme on the oak, or only a few bits. Wonder what tree they are "doing" nest week?

 

As it 'appens Fran next/this weeks programme is based on the "National Hedgelaying Championships" whatever the devil this is!

"Thread drift". Thats a fine terminology, that is Fran! Thread drift... I'm particularly guilty of this but my main problem is brain drift! Or maybe that should be renamed "wood drift"?

Sorry, I'm drifiting...

Cheers!
Royster

 

You certainly are!!! It's all that paint-stripper cider!!

Hedge-laying is something I want to learn about - but I can't imagine that a championship would be of much interest - what happens to the hedges? :D

 

Oh, and love the new avatar, Fran! :D

 

Hedgelaying is what i suspect is dry stone walling which is quite an art we have a great deal of this down here,and i have been known to do fair job myself,although thats my opinion

 

have a look here, Keith..
http://shop.btcv.org.uk/shop/level4/25/stock/5215
this is what is involved - although it doesn't give a lot of detail....

 

Dendrobe - think you're correct - I was "drifiting" due to the coyder, but I guess there's nothing new there though.
So, it would seem that hedgelaying is actually a rather interesting topic afterall. But, as you question Dendrobe, what exactly is a hedgelaying championship? All to be revealed on Friday...

Royster

 

Thanks Roy - hedgelaying mmmmm, that could be very interesting. Certainly more pleasing to see a laid hedge than the chewed hedge from those darn tractor cutters.

 

Hedgelaying is where a tree such as beech or hazel has a cut made into its branches which are then layered horizontally to form an impenetrable barrier. We did it this year to our Hazel to fill the gaps in the hedge. It looks quite messy at first but it soon thickens out. It is quite a skill I believe.

 

I should add its quite a skill when its done properly we're all amazed that the hazel is still alive!

 

Fran, you have made me think a bit, which is rather unusual!
The chewed hedge from those darn tractor cutters as you say are apparently a sign of the times.
BUT!
All this 'movement' towards organic gardening away from pesticides and quite often away from heavy machinery.
Furthermore, how often do you hear about the importance of hedgerows with regards to wildlife habitat?!
I presume nowadays with government concessions to farmers to increase hedgerow numbers within farms that it has indeed had a positive effect?
Well (and finally to my point) why would it not make sense to go the whole hog and the same way as organic farming, in that much more care and attention should be given to the pruning of all those miles of hedges thereby further increasing the potential for wildlife sanctuary? Surely our "green" government could see that this sort of idea can only have a massively beneficial effect upon our environment here in the UK?!!
Of course, this will never have quite the same public support as organic farming but nevertheless there does seem to be some rethinking that can be undertaken.

Sorry - the reply was a bit longer than originally intended!

 

Hi Celia, I would really like to see your layered Hazel hedge! Sounds like a very interesting project! Have you got a pic, maybe?

Kind regards
Roy