A hedge 150 yards long has been planted along the wire-fenced southern boundary of our portion of the New Churchfurlong field.

Planted at the density of approximately 5 shrubs per yard it consists primarily of hawthorn and blackthorn but 40% is of other species, namely Dogwood, Hazel, Crab Apple, Purging Buckthorn, Field Rose, Dog Rose, Common Privet, Field Maple, Spindle and Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus). Some existing blackthorn hedge was cut and laid.

In addition a further 30 yards of hedge has been planted inside the post and rail fence enclosing the pond and copse to 'soften' the boundary fencing with foliage.

A greater number of the Viburnum and Dog Rose have been used here due to their attractive flowers and rose leaves are cut by some solitary bees to seal their nests in the holes of the logs that have been fixed to this fence for their convenience.

Further planting has taken place within the copse to reinforce the shrub layer, predominantly on the western side of the copse and upon the mound of soil covering the badger sett. Due to some of the copse being prone to water-logging in wet winters a number of alder and goat willow plants have been used in this area in addition to the species outlined above. The total scheme used over 1800 plants. Some hedge-laying has been done on the north side of the copse to allow more light to penetrate the site to aid the growth of the new plantings.

The planting scheme, comprising as it does in excess of 10 different species of guaranteed native English stock, attracted a 50% grant for the purchase from AVDC Green Spaces Dept. The rest being funded by the Parish Councils Wildlife Reserve account.