On the 30th January Weymouth RSPB staged the second successive Sunday community work party as part of the 'Wild about Weymouth and Portland' (WAWAP) project, after the litter pick held at Radipole one week prior. Approximately 20 locals turned up to help RSPB staff and volunteers 'grub out' the hedge and remove the old post and rail fence on South Down Avenue which abuts Lodmoor Nature Reserve.Between ten and two, almost 400 metres of hedge was hacked back and brought into order which was far more than was expected when work commenced. WAWAP is a collaborative project as was reflected in this event; Weymouth and Portland Borough Council had agreed to remove the arisings and have appointed a fencing contractor to replace the post and rail fence. A couple of viewing areas have been factored into the design of the fence and management henceforth of the hedge.Another partner in the project The Dorset Wildlife Trust provided the loppers, bow saws and other assorted hand tools which allowed the volunteers to get stuck in - and get stuck in they did!We have purchased 300 native hedging plants comprising haw thorn, black thorn, bird cherry, gelder rose, dog rose and dog wood which we plan to use to gap up any bare patches, after having partially laid sections of the hedge in the next fortnight. Given a year or two the hedge will be alive with wildlife and provide a effective barrier between the road and the SSSI.
If this is 'Big Society' then we're all for it!
You did an excellent job along the top edge, I'm only sorry I couldn't join you to help out.
Seize the day!