Hedgerows

Sarn Lane is bordered by hedgerow along a lot of its length. The hedgerows are quite old, although quite how old is difficult to tell. What you can see is that at one time they were maintained by laying the hedge in the traditional way, i.e. the branches of the hedge were bent over so that they grew horizontally thus knitting the hedge together and providing a robust barrier to keep livestock secure within the field adjacent to the lane. However, that stopped some time ago and instead the gaps in the hedge are filled with a wire mesh stock fence.

The photo illustrates this quite well.

Although it is sad that hedge laying is no longer practised along the lane, it is obvious that the installation of the fencing is pragmatic and cost effective. Hedge laying itself is expensive and it is a dying art with fewer and fewer skilled practioners. We have to be realistic. These are working hedges and although it would be nice and romantic to think that old country ways should be kept up, it is not going to happen.

The sadder aspect of the decline of the hedgerow is that at some point over the next few months, the top of the hedge, where the branches have grown above the thicker line of the hedge, will be violently ripped off by a mechanical trimmer. Is this necessary? I don't know. I am not even sure if it is the council or the landowner who pays for it to be done. I just think it is a shame because it must disrupt the wildlife and limit the habitat.