Fire Hills Hedge Planting - February 2017

As part of the improvement works taking place in Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve a new hedge was planted on The Fire Hills. The volunteers led by Park Ranger Nick Hennessy got up early and planted 1000 mixed native hedge plants alongside the access for all trail.

Species included Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Hazel and Dog Rose which were ‘notch’ planted on top of the bank and protected with tree guards and stakes. The day was inclement at best but being hardy types we got all 1000 whips in the ground by 1pm, this included a welcome tea and chocolate break.

This new hedge will provide food and shelter for the wildlife as well as creating an important wildlife corridor from one habitat to another for small mammals. This was a wonderful task and we all had a great time with laughs breaking up the gruelling work (over-exaggerated for dramatic purposes, it was actually very easy).

Big thanks for all those that turned up as well as those that are supporting our tireless efforts to make this unique green space even better. The next task will be burning the cut Gorse in the Quarry, watch this space for dates.

HBC Park Ranger Nick Hennessy