Over winter, the Talyllyn’s volunteer hedgelaying gang took part in a couple of working weekends. This season’s mission was continuing from last winter’s section – clearing and laying hedgerow east of Rhydyronen by Tynllwyn campsite.
Our lineside hedges are a mix of native species – mostly hazel and hawthorn, with a bit of blackthorn and dog rose. The newly laid section will reinvigorate the old hedgerow and improve the habitat for the wildlife living along the railway line.
We’ve achieved quite a distance this year, fuelled by delicious homemade cake brought along by gang members (thank you!), tea, sandwiches and soup. Gang sizes ranged from around 25 folk to 6, which takes some planning to ensure everyone has something worthwhile to do. The variety of jobs undertaken included train crews, boscage collectors, bonfire crew, and mentoring new hedgers.
This year, we also started using the new-to-us shredder. This bit of kit will reduce the need for bonfires, and we’ve already started using the arisings around the railway as weed suppressant.
The gang at work during the season:
At the end of the season, a small gang completed the final remaining bits and cleared up the worksite.
We also checked over the hedging kits and cleaned and sharpened the tools ready for storage.
The weather at times has been appalling, but the gang, many who had travelled far just for the weekend, carried on in good spirits. Thanks to everyone who joined us.
