Woodland Conservation - SHWWP

Saturday, 13th March 2026

Jack Wood - Renewing Dead Hedging

This month the Saturday Woodland Conservation Group (SHWWP) returned to an area in Jack Wood, just beyond the formal gardens and bounded by the Green Chain Walk, to rebuild sections of the decayed dead hedges built some years ago. 

This area contains swathes of native bluebells which are currently at risk from trampling due to the many informal paths criss-crossing this ecologically sensitive area. Eighteen cheery volunteers attended and quickly split themselves amongst the tasks needed for the job:

Some of our cheery volunteers

Mulch clearance

Five people, including two from GoodGym, volunteered to carry out this labour-intensive activity.  They positioned themselves in pairs on two separate stretches.  Leaf mulch covering the tarmac pathway was shovelled away revealing more of the tarmac path and, in one location, revealing the wooden edging strip which hasn’t been seen for many years.

Three regular volunteers finding the path edge on the side near the formal garden.

Two GoodGym volunteers cutting through the mulch on the access path to Jack Wood.

Post-making

Two volunteers focussed on using the axes to sharpen the bottom of previously coppiced hazel, and holly, posts.  As they worked, they demonstrated what they were doing to other interested volunteers, ensuring a transfer of skills.

Post-insertion

The park ranger was of great assistance, supporting two or three other volunteers in using the heavy ‘post-hat’.  As the land falls away into the woodlands, it is important to have some protection where an original wooden fence stood many years ago.

Inserting the posts.

Holly Reduction & Dead Hedging

Other volunteers reduced the amount of holly shading the woodland floor and cut holly into manageable lengths to insert between the posts and the mulch heap,s topping up the dead hedge.

We Will be Back!

We have not yet completed work in this area and will revisit soon to continue our protection of this ecologically sensitive area.  However, the pathways are clearer and less slippery; a dead hedge is in place, both protecting the bluebells and providing habitat and shelter for woodland animals; and the area is a little clearer and provides better views of the flowers.

Hopefully this will dissuade walkers from entering the area and damaging the delicate flowers.

Thanks to all our volunteers for the great contribution this session.