Rural skills in practice at Fowlescombe - hedge laying and stone walling/title> <meta name="keywords" content="hedge laying, Devon Rural Skills Trust, DRST, environment, hedge steeping, coppicing, devon banks, earth banks"> <meta name="description" content="DRST experts helping to restore Devon Banks and hedgerows at Fowlescombe, and to train DEFRA personnel in the finer points">  <link rel="stylesheet" href="../2col_leftNav.css" type="text/css"> <style type="text/css">  </style>  <style type="text/css">  </style> <style type="text/css">  </style>  <script type="text/javascript" src="../../p7pm/p7popmenu.js"></script>  <script type="text/javascript">  </script> <noscript><p style="color:blue">***** Please enable javascripts so that the drop down menus work - we do not collect any data from you *****</p> </noscript> <style type="text/css" media="screen">  </style> <link rel="stylesheet" href="../../gwstyles/gwstyle.css" type="text/css"> <style type="text/css"> #p7s1content1 { position: absolute; width: 298px; z-index: 99; left: 0px; top: 0px; visibility: visible } </style> <style type="text/css"> #p7s2content1 { position: absolute; width: 28px; z-index: 99; left: 0px; top: 0px; visibility: visible } .style44 { font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; color: #006600; } .style45 { font-size: large; font-weight: bold; } </style>  <script type="text/javascript" id="wa_u"></script> <script type="text/javascript">//<![CDATA[ wa_account="fowlescombe"; wa_location=17; wa_pageName=location.pathname; // you can customize the page name here document.cookie='__support_check=1';wa_hp='http'; wa_rf=document.referrer;wa_sr=window.location.search; wa_tz=new Date();if(location.href.substr(0,6).toLowerCase()=='https:') wa_hp='https';wa_data='&an='+escape(navigator.appName)+ '&sr='+escape(wa_sr)+'&ck='+document.cookie.length+ '&rf='+escape(wa_rf)+'&sl='+escape(navigator.systemLanguage)+ '&av='+escape(navigator.appVersion)+'&l='+escape(navigator.language)+ '&pf='+escape(navigator.platform)+'&pg='+escape(wa_pageName); wa_data=wa_data+'&cd='+ screen.colorDepth+'&rs='+escape(screen.width+ ' x '+screen.height)+ '&tz='+wa_tz.getTimezoneOffset()+'&je='+ navigator.javaEnabled(); wa_img=new Image();wa_img.src=wa_hp+'://counter.hitslink.com/statistics.asp'+ '?v=1&s='+wa_location+'&acct='+wa_account+wa_data+'&tks='+wa_tz.getTime(); document.getElementById('wa_u').src=wa_hp+'://counter.hitslink.com/track.js'; //]]> </script>    </head>  <a name="TopOfPage"></a> <body onLoad="P7_initPM(1,6,1,-10,10);MM_preloadImages('../../images/menu/Contact us text.jpg')"> <table width="901" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tableborder"> <tr> <td width="253" height="94" class="header"><a href="../index.shtml"><img src="../../images main/frontpagelogo 90.gif" title="Click here for main Fowlescombe home page" border="0"></a></td> <td width="399" height="94" class="header"> <div align="center"> <p class="style45"> </p> </div> </td> <td width="124" class="header"><table width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td><div align="center"><a href="policy.shtml"><img src="../images/Soil association circle only ht 70.jpg" border="0" title="Soil Association Certification for Fowlescombe Farm"></a> </div></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong><a href="../../index.php"><img src="../../images/online store.jpg" Title="Online Store" width="117" height="20" border="0"></a></strong></td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="125" class="header"><span class="style45"><a href="../../visitors centre/Educational Overview.htm"><img src="../../images/year of food and farming ht 80.jpg" title="Year of Food and Farming" border="0" ></a></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td height="80" colspan="4" class="header"><ul id="p7PMnav"> <li><a href="../history/Top%20-%20history.shtml" class="p7PMtrg" id="b1">History</a> <ul> <li><a href="../history/Top%20-%20history.shtml">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="../history/Fowell%20family%20tree.htm">Fowell family tree</a></li> <li><a href="../history/will%20of%20John%20Fowell.htm">Will of John Fowel</a></li> <li><a href="../history/Music/Kennels.htm">John King</a></li> <li><a href="../history/Tithe map of Fowlescombe.html">Tithe map</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../estate/estate.shtml" class="p7PMtrg" id="b2">Estate</a> <ul> <li><a href="../estate/estate.shtml">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="../estate/architecture.shtml">Architecture</a></li> <li><a href="../estate/farmhouse.shtml">Farm House</a></li> <li><a href="../estate/estate.shtml" class="p7PMtrg">Constitutent Land</a> <ul> <li><a href="../estate/estate.shtml">Tranche 1 Fowlescombe</a></li> <li><a href="../estate/estate.shtml">Tranche 2 Fowlescombe</a></li> <li><a href="../estate/Ladydown.shtml">LadyDown</a></li> <li><a href="../estate/Coombe.shtml">Coombe</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../estate/map.shtml">Map</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/other%20walks.shtml">Walks</a></li> <li><a href="../news/balloon_rides.shtml">From the air</a></li> <li><a href="../safety/safety.shtml">Safety</a></li> <li><a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Vacancies.shtml">Staff Vacancies</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="policy.shtml" class="p7PMtrg" id="b3">Environonment</a> <ul> <li><a href="policy.shtml">Policy</a></li> <li><a href="startingpoint.shtml">The Start</a></li> <li><a href="fowlescombe_farm_wildlife_report.pdf">Estate report</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/GTBS.html">Green Tourism Business Scheme</a></li> <li><a href="Energy%20Conservation.shtml">Energy Conservation</a></li> <li><a href="Habitat.shtml">Habitat</a></li> <li><a href="insects.shtml">Insects</a></li> <li><a href="birds.shtml">Birds</a></li> <li><a href="Mammals/Mammals.htm">Mammals</a></li> <li><a href="../news/Mating_frogs_Mar_2002.shtml">Amphibians</a></li> <li><a href="Rural%20Skills.htm">Rural Skills</a></li> <li><a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Vacancies.shtml">Job opportunities</a></li> <li><a href="Steers%20from%20Oil.shtml">Beef from Oil</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../farm/management.shtml" class="p7PMtrg" id="b4">Farm</a> <ul> <li><a href="../farm/management.shtml">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/animals.shtml" class="p7PMtrg">Animals</a> <ul> <li><a href="../farm/animals_aberdeen.shtml">Aberdeen Angus</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/Animals_Devon%20Ruby%20Reds%20-%20nov%202004.shtml">Devon Ruby Reds</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/animals_hebridean.shtml">Hebridean</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/animals_manx.shtml">Manx Loaghtan</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/animals_goats.htm">Golden Guernsey's</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/animals_chickens.shtml">Poultry</a></li> <li><a href="../produce/Livestock.shtml">Buying livestock</a></li> <li><a href="../produce/Before%20you%20buy%20sheep.htm">Before you buy</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/animals_welfare.shtml">Welfare</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../../index.php" class="p7PMtrg">Produce</a> <ul> <li><a href="../produce/Livestock.shtml">Livestock</a></li> <li><a href="../produce/Before%20you%20buy%20sheep.htm">Before you buy stock</a></li> <li><a href="../../products.php?cat=7">Woven Products</a></li> <li><a href="../../products.php?cat=6">Wool, skins, ...</a></li> <li><a href="../../products.php?cat=9">Angus Beef</a></li> <li><a href="../../products.php?cat=10">Lamb and Mutton</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/How%20to%20buy%20our%20meat.htm">How to buy meat</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../farm/strategy.shtml">Strategy</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/achievements.shtml">Achievements</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/buildings.shtml">Old Buildings</a></li> <li><a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Vacancies.shtml">Job Opportunities</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../Rare%20breeds/rare%20breeds%20at%20fowlescombe.htm" class="p7PMtrg" id="b5">Rare</a> <ul> <li><a href="../produce/Buying%20rare%20breed%20sheep.htm">Rare breed sheep for sale</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/animals_manx.shtml">Manx Loaghtan</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/animals_hebridean.shtml">Hebridean</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/animals_goats.htm">Golden Guernsey's</a></li> <li><a href="../produce/Before%20you%20buy%20sheep.htm">Before you buy</a></li> <li><a href="../Rare%20breeds/Photo%20Gallery.htm">Photo Gallery</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../../Lets/index.htm" class="p7PMtrg" id="b6">Cottages</a> <ul> <li><a href="../../Lets/index.htm">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="#" class="p7PMtrg">The Cottages</a> <ul> <li><a href="../../Lets/Barn%20Owl%20Cottage.htm">Barn Owl Cottage</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Swallow%20Cottage.htm">Swallow Cottage</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/full%20details.htm">Full Details</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Tarrif.htm" class="p7PMtrg">Availability</a> <ul> <li><a href="../../Lets/Tarrif.htm">By week</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.devonfarms.co.uk/farmvac.php?farmid=195">By day</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Tarrif 2009 .htm">2009</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Tarrif.htm" class="p7PMtrg">Prices and Booking</a> <ul> <li><a href="../../Lets/Tarrif.htm">Prices 2008</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Tarrif 2009 .htm">Prices 2009</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Booking%20form.htm">Booking Form</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/terms%20and%20conditions.htm">Terms and conditions</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Cottage%20photos.htm">Photo Gallery</a></li> <li><a href="#" class="p7PMtrg">In the Area</a> <ul> <li><a href="../../Lets/Things%20to%20do%20in%20our%20area.htm">What to do</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Places%20to%20eat.htm">Places to eat</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/walks%20and%20cycling.htm">Walks and cycling</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Children.htm">For your Children</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Mobility%20impaired%20access.htm">Access Statement</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/hamper.htm">Food Hamper</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/GTBS.html">Green Tourism Business Scheme</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Going Green.html">Green Tips</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Weather.html">Weather</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Directions.htm">Directions</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../../visitors%20centre/Index.htm" class="p7PMtrg" id="b7">Visitors Centre</a> <ul> <li><a href="../../visitors%20centre/Index.htm">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="../../visitors%20centre/Visitor%20Centre%20-%20facilities%20and%20fees.htm">Facilities & Fees</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/general%20guidance%20to%20visitors.shtml">General Guidance</a></li> <li><a href="../../visitors centre/Management Offsite.html">Management Offsite</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/Childrens%20Visits.htm">Schools or Youth Groups</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/universities.shtml">Colleges and Universities</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/Environmental%20Walks.htm">Environmental Walks</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/history.shtml">History Visits</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/other%20walks.shtml">Farm Walks</a></li> <li><a href="../../visitors%20centre/Barn%20Dance.htm">Birthday Parties</a></li> <li><a href="../../visitors centre/Mobility impaired access.htm">Access statement</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../../visitors centre/Educational Overview.htm" class="p7PMtrg" id="b8">Educational Access</a> <ul> <li><a href="../../visitors centre/Educational Overview.htm">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/Childrens%20Visits.htm">Schools or Youth Groups</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/Ermington school sept 2006.htm" class="p7PMtrg">Example School Visits</a> <ul> <li><a href="../visitors/Ermington school sept 2006.htm">Ermington School</a></li> <li><a href="../../schools/West Alvington.html">West Alvington</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../../visitors centre/Dos and Donts.html">Dos and dont's</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/universities.shtml">Colleges and Universities</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/other walks.shtml">Other</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Top%20-%20Contact%20us.shtml" class="p7PMtrg" id="b9">Contact us</a> <ul> <li><a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Top%20-%20Contact%20us.shtml">Who to contact</a></li> <li><a href="../links/links.shtml">Links</a></li> <li><a href="../Top levelmenus/Vacancies.shtml">Job Opportunities</a></li> <li><a href="../index.shtml">Home </a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Top%20-%20Directions.shtml" class="p7PMtrg" id="b10">Directions</a> <ul> <li><a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Top%20-%20Directions.shtml">Directions</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/Weather.html">Weather</a></li> </ul> </li>    </ul></td> </tr> </table>  <div id="content">  <h2 id="pageName">Rural Skills </h2> <div class="feature"> <p> At Fowlescombe we now have around 40 miles of hedgerow and Devon banks. We maintain some of these ourselves, get help from local contractors and members of the DRST (<a href="http://www.devonruralskillstrust.co.uk/">Devon Rural Skills Trust</a>) often setup training or competition days on the estate as the land is ideal for such purposes. When lucky we also get a partial grant to cover some of the costs. </p> <p>In Feb. 2006 the DRST and Fowlescombe owners helped in a DEFRA training day where the DEFRA folks who help farmers get grants were themselves trained in the finer points of both hedge laying and stone walling. In particular the pint was well taken that every site is different, in so far as what was there, what needs to be done, terrain, materials, etc. </p> <p>Below are some photographs and comments which might help would be practitioners on stone facing and <a href="#steeping">hedge steeping</a>. For further information contact the DRST</p> <p class="style35">Stone facing an existing Devon Bank</p> <p>A Devon bank is often made with a 6 foot high and wide mound of earth that has been allowed to settle for a couple of years. The sides are then cut back to a steep angle, foundations dug and both sides stone walled as below. After that a hedge is planted on the top, mulched and allowed to grow for 6 to 7 years. After this it can be layed (see below) and the whole then forms a 'stock proof' boundary. With certain animals it may still be necessary these days to also have a fence along side it eg with primitive sheep, large cattle. </p> <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20011.jpg" title="Collapsed hedge banks have to be cleared " width="355" height="266"></td> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20014.jpg" title="Cutting the bank back to the final build line " width="355" height="266"></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Collapsed hedge banks have to be cleared of plant growth and earth.This can be done mechanically if the site allows, and there is time given to saving the numerous invertebrates and wild flowers. Tree roots must be dug out and buried stone recovered</td> <td>Cutting the bank back to the final build line is done using hand tools and grunts!</td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20013.jpg" title="The base stones are carefully positioned at an angle " width="199" height="266"></td> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20012.jpg" title="The angle is steepened toward vertical. " width="199" height="266"></td> </tr> <tr> <td>The base stones are carefully positioned at an angle which will determine the batter of the finished work.</td> <td>As the work proceeds the angle is steepened toward vertical. This arching in the batter gives the wall strength and durability, as well as beauty</td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20016.jpg" title="Digging the stepped foundations for a quoin" width="355" height="266"></td> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20018.jpg" title="Gateways take a beating from livestock " width="355" height="266"></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Both walls and hedges must be worked uphill, and the foundations must be stepped up to accommodate the rise in gradient </td> <td>Gateways take a beating from livestock and machinery and so the quoin must be built with care. </td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20019.jpg" title="Flat and upright builds must be integrated" width="355" height="266"></td> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20015.jpg" title="Thumping the back fill in is critical" width="399" height="266"></td> </tr> <tr> <td>The flat and upright builds must be integrated as the work progresses. This will give the quoin strength and durability at the gateway</td> <td>Thumping the back fill in is critical - the back fill must not be bone dry, and not wet </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </table> <p class="style36"><a name="steeping"></a>Hedge Steeping</p> <p>This hedgerow has been left for a number of years. Here we see preparation of the scene, prior to members of DEFRA getting practical experience of laying the hedge</p> <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20003.jpg" title="Removing the hedge side to gain access" width="355" height="266"></td> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20002.jpg" title="Removing wire and old tree stumps" width="355" height="266"></td> </tr> <tr> <td>As much as 50% of the time can be spent removing the side growth in order to get into the hedge</td> <td>Wire has to be removed and old tree stumps and oversized material. If wire is grown into a tree that is being kept, leave a couple of inches sticking out each side to warn someone with a chain saw in years to come to BEWARE </td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20005.jpg" title="ash and sycamore suppress the growth of other species" width="355" height="266"></td> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20004.jpg" title="Typical corrogated iron used to infill a hedge" width="355" height="266"></td> </tr> <tr> <td><DIV>Large trees, particularly ash and sycamore suppress the growth of other species. Fences erected at some distance from the bank encourage scrub and bramble to invade. This robs the hedge of the density of material it requires to be stock-proof.</DIV> </td> <td>Large trees left un-checked lead to the deterioration of the bank flora, the condition of the turf and stone-facings, and the introduction of alien materials in order to control stock</td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20006.jpg" title="The steeping - the easy bit!" width="355" height="266"></td> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20008.jpg" title="DEFRA folk 'having a go'" width="399" height="266"></td> </tr> <tr> <td>The steeping ...derelict hedges rarely provide sufficient crooks to finish the job</td> <td>DEFRA folk 'having a go'</td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20009.jpg" title="More trainees - with a prepeared crook in the foreground " width="177" height="266"></td> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20010.jpg" title="Crooks holding it all down" width="399" height="266"></td> </tr> <tr> <td>More trainees - with a prepared crook in the foreground </td> <td>Crooks holding it all down</td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="../environment/rural%20skills/DRST%20001.jpg" title="A break is very welcome" width="177" height="266"></td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>More trainees - with a prepared crook in the foreground </td> <td> </td> </tr> </table> <p> </p> </div> </div>  <div id="navBar"> <div id="sectionLinks"> <ul> <li class="style44">Sales of ...</li> <li><a href="../farm/animals_aberdeen.shtml">Angus Livestock</a></li> <li><a href="../produce/Buying%20rare%20breed%20sheep.htm">Rare Breed Sheep </a></li> <li><a href="../../products.php?cat=7" >Woven products</a></li> <li><a href="../../proddetail.php?prod=Throws" >Throws and Rugs</a></li> <li><a href="../../proddetail.php?prod=xBeef01&cat=5">Angus Beef </a></li> <li><a href="../../products.php?cat=10">Rare Breed Lamb</a> </li> <li class="style44">How to ... </li> <li><a href="../../Lets/index.htm">Book the Cottages</a></li> <li><a href="../../Visitors%20centre/Index.htm">Book the Visitors Centre</a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/Childrens%20Visits.htm" >Arrange a School Visit</a></li> <li><a href="../../index.php" >Visit our Farm Shop</a></li> <li class="style44">News Items</li> <li><a href="../../events/Coming Events.html">Forth Coming Events</a></li> <li><a href="../news/Kingsbridge show 2008.htm">Kingsbridge Show 2008</a></li> <li><a href="../news/Devon County 2008.html">Devon County 2008</a></li> <li><a href="../../Lets/GTBS.html">Gold 'Green' Award</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/management.shtml">We go Organic</a></li> <li><a href="../news/Taste%20of%20the%20West%20Awards.shtml">Taste of the West Award</a></li> <li><a href="../news/Bull gets scanned.htm">Bull scanned</a></li> <li><a href="../news/Devon%20Show%202007.htm">Supreme Champion</a> </li> <li><a href="../farm/animals_goats.htm">Daft goats</a></li> <li><a href="../history/Music/History%20group%20xmas%202006.htm">Our Song</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/Angus%20at%20Bristol%20show%20nov%202006.htm">Bristol Show</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/Gussie.htm">Gussie dies</a></li> <li><a href="../farm/Amerylis.htm">A survivor </a></li> <li><a href="../visitors/Ermington%20school%20sept%202006.htm">School visit</a></li> <li><a href="Rural%20Skills.htm">Rural Skills</a></li> <li><a href="../news/Other%20news.shtml">Other News</a></li> <li><a href="../links/links.shtml">Interesting Links</a></li> <li> <div align="left"><a href="../news/Taste of the West Awards.shtml"><img src="../images/Taste of the West 2007 awards small.jpg" alt="Taste of the West Awards" width="56" height="89" border="0"></a></div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="siteInfo"> <p align="left"> <strong> | <a href="http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=269845&y=55361&z=5&sv=269845,55361&st=OSGrid&lu=N&tl=%7E&ar=y&bi=%7E&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf">Map</a> | <a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Top%20-%20Directions.shtml">Directions </a> | <a href="../links/links.shtml">Links </a> | <a href="../safety/safety.shtml">Safety</a> | <a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Top%20-%20Site%20Map.shtml">Site Map </a> | <a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Top%20-%20%20Privacy%20policy.shtml">Privacy policy</a> | <a href="../Top%20levelmenus/Top%20-%20Downloads%20and%20tools.shtml">Downloads and tools</a> | ©Fowlescombe Farm 2003 / 2004 / 2005 / 2006 | <A HREF="#TopOfPage"><IMG SRC="../../images%20main/TopOfPage.gif" Title="Click here to go to the top of the page" width="110" height="27" VSPACE="3" BORDER="0" ALIGN=top></A><br> Use a largish screen size to view this site, and it may be useful to hide 'favorites' on your browser.</strong></p> </div> <br> </body> </html>