Project at Auchenlosh Farm, Dalbeattie picture 1

Granite boulder (single) dyke with hedge laid in front. Work was done by Garth Heinrich and Peter Dowden, members of South West Scotland Branch.

SNH provided a grant for laying the hedge and to plant hawthorn/blackthorn in the areas to fill any large gaps where trees had to be felled due to age, stock damage or too far matured to be laid.

This is a long term project as you have to leave young plants to grow over a period of approx 5 to 8 years before they can be laid to form a hedge. SNH being very conservation minded decided that any of the plants that could be laid should be.

The farmer decided to rebuild the dyke to keep the field stockproof until the plants have matured and to keep the plants protected from stock as young plant growth can be very good eating.

The project provides good habitat in the dyke and also in the newly laid hedge as it will produce good fast growth for ground cover and food for birds as well as nesting areas. Once the hedge has established itself in 3/4 years it will withstand any pruning from stock and will create a better 'scare' hedge.
Picture Added on 02 August 2007.

If you found this interesting, have a look at the following groups of pictures.
Scottish Natural Heritage Project, South West Scotland Branch