MARCH 1 sees a Wye Valley AONB hedgelaying training day for volunteers as well as a special awareness day for others interested in the rural art.

Hedgelaying has undertaken a revival over the last few years and in the Wye Valley AONB courses have proved to be extremely popular.

AONB officer Sarah Sawyer is behind the organisation of Hedgelaying Awareness Day at the Forest's Bracelands Adventure Centre.

The volunteers, who all have recent experience of hedge work on Kate Humble's Penallt farm project, will be undertaking the training day under the supervision of hedgelaying experts John Flower and Simon Johnson.

However the day is not just for the learners – at lunchtime the event is open to all local hedgelayers or woodland owners who are invited to attend a short meeting from 12.30pm-1pm when the possibility of forming a Wye Valley Hedgelayers Association will be discussed.

"I am sure there is a real interest in forming such an association here in the Wye Valley," Sarah said.

"I have noticed there are numerous landowners who have skills, knowledge and contacts that could be shared. Increases in well laid hedges not only benefits the landscape but offers extra protection to the wildlife as well as providing a secure stock proof boundary."

For further information email [email protected]">[email protected] or phone 01600 710844.