Sunday began sunnily for Sami and Linda who joined a team of local residents and members of the Friends of Alexandra Recreation Ground to plant a new section of hedgerow. About 50 holes were dug in a staggered line, with Sami proving expert at coaxing out buried bricks! Then we planted mixed native saplings, added mulch and re-planted bulbs disturbed by the digging.

The team even ingeniously recycled several Christmas trees to create a dead hedge as protection for the saplings from cold weather, dogs and stray footballs – we laid the trunks lengthwise as edging, then wedged branches into the ground so that the upright fronds formed a natural barrier.

This project is fulfilling a long-time ambition of the volunteer group, greening up a bare area of the park, providing a habitat for birds and bugs, and protecting a neighbouring building from graffiti. Looking forward to seeing the buds blooming in the spring!