Throughout the duration of our new build programme to date, we’ve been bystanders. Itching to do something hands-on. We’re glad we’re on the homeward stretch. We’re particularly excited about the opportunity to restore and be custodians of our water meadow.

In the last week or so, we took delivery of in excess of 2000 whips which consists of a native deciduous mix that include the following, Hawthorn – Cretaegus Monongyna, Dog Rose – Rosa Canina, Hazel – Coryllus Avellana, Beech- Fagus Sylvatica, Crab Apple – Malus Sylvatica, Hornbeam – Carpinus Betulus, Spindle – Euonymus Europaeus, Guelders Rose – Viburnum Populus, Blackthorn – Prunes Spins, Field Maple – Acerb Campsite, Bird Cherry – Prunes Pads, Clematis, Climbing Rose, Ivy and Honeysuckle.

Essentially, our intention is to thicken the hedgerow to encourage a wider diversity of birds and wildlife to thrive in our meadow. Nothing beats the joys of waking up to a cacophony of birds singing in the morning or at dusk.

We got the big delivery from the Urquart & Hunt team and were initially joined on site by a couple of their gardners who showed us how to mix the whips as well as using Mycorrhizal Fungi (Rootgrow Professional) to help the roots of the whips establish quickly.

We set to work on day one to the rear of the meadow and finished that on day two with Bence and his colleague. Katie and I continued from then on and have been joined by Treive Nicholas and the children helping out.

It’s been a blast. On the south side of the meadow, there is an existing hedge, so what I did was top it slightly and cut a path to enable creation of a double hedge on the south side. The pathway allows me access to trim the hedge in future particularly as the boundary hedge with our neighbour is leylandii.

Here are some photos from the effort. We’ve finished the South and West of the meadow and just have about 400 or so whips left to plant. Such a thrilling and exhilarating activity. We’re very grateful to the Urquart and Hunt team as well as Treive Nicholas who’s given time to join the effort. A nice break for him as he’s in the middle of writing his second book.

Checkout his website for his first book out shortly. The Nun and the Pig. Tales from his times in South Africa during Apartheid a gripping read which is out in July.

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