Volunteers will plant a hedgerow at Benfield Hill nature reserve near Brighton’s A27 bypass on Saturday 10 January
Volunteers to Plant Hedgerow at Nature Reserve
Volunteers are set to plant a hedgerow at a nature reserve near the A27 Brighton bypass tomorrow, Saturday, 10 January.
The volunteer event will last for two and a half hours at the Benfield Hill local nature reserve, located just north of the bypass, near West Hove Golf Club.
This is the first of two hedgerow planting sessions. Dry but cold weather is forecast. The second session, organized by the Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group, is scheduled for Sunday, 18 January.
Event Details
| Date | Time | Location | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 January | 10:30 AM | Benfield Hill local nature reserve | Dry but cold |
| 18 January | 10:30 AM | Benfield Hill local nature reserve | To be determined |
On both days, the event will start at 10:30 AM. Volunteers should arrive by 10:15 AM for a prompt start.
The organizers aim to plant about 175 to 200 small trees each morning. A demonstration of the planting technique and a health and safety briefing will be provided at the start.
Volunteers will work in small teams of two to three or in family groups. Each team will receive tools and equipment. Teams will be assigned a section of ground to plant.
Planting Process
Each team will choose or be given a variety of species, aiming to plant 10 per section. Guidance will be available on the day regarding species selection.
A regular volunteer will assist each team. This volunteer will help with spacing the saplings and selecting the planting mix.
One person will dig a hole deep enough to cover the root ball and place the sapling in the hole with a cane for support.
The second person will fill the hole, ensuring the roots are covered, and wrap a tree guard around the plant and cane to protect it from grazing animals.
Each sapling will be spaced roughly 18 to 24 inches apart, or 40 to 60 centimeters. Assistance with spacing will be provided.
A break will be taken halfway through the event. Tea, coffee, and treats will be provided by the Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group. Volunteers are asked to bring their own mugs.
Types of Saplings
The saplings include field maple, oak, holly, crab apple, yew, blackthorn, and hazel.
West Hove Golf Club has reserved parking on a grass verge for those driving, located at What3Words location counts.shield.worked.
Organizers advise volunteers to wear layers of clothing that can get muddy. They should be prepared for cold, breezy weather and possible rain, although the forecast looks dry.
Stout boots are recommended due to rough ground. Volunteers should bring strong gardening gloves if they have them, but spare gloves will be available.
For more information, email Sally Wadsworth at benfieldhillnr@gmail.com.
