Bickleigh churchyard conservation

We have been laying and trimming back the northern hedge and associated bank behind the church. As in our previous article we mentioned the problems with modern hedge maintenance which does not allow, in many cases, the development of a nature friendly thick stock-proof hedge. We are hoping that our work will allow this hedge to become less “spindly” and much more attractive. We intend to plant some native whips (small hedging plants) along the western boundary, where the Yew has been trimmed back. If time permits before the spring growth begins we will be laying back the southern hedge, which will again thicken it up and make it more attractive.

We are pleased to see a variety of wild plants growing where the laurel hedge has been trimmed back (behind the cottages) so we should see some good flowering during the year.

Matt Melksham, Adam Scaife, Steve Batt