Last week, three of our very own swapped their workshop tools for billhooks and binders! Peter Gillard, Steve Jones, and David Hall headed over to Butser Ancient Farm to participate in a professional hedge-laying course.
Working alongside National Trust employees and local volunteers, the team learned the intricate techniques required to maintain traditional British boundaries.
The Project at a Glance
The Task: Laying approximately 45 meters of mixed hedge.
The Species: A hardy mix of hawthorn, blackthorn, holly, and hazel.
The Purpose: Beyond creating a “stock-proof” barrier, these hedges serve as a vital corridor and haven for local wildlife.
Special Thanks
This fantastic skill-building opportunity was made possible by:
East Hampshire District Council for generously funding the course.
Darren Hammerton (Treewright) for his expert tutelage and patience.
The Butser Ancient Farm team for their seamless organization.
It’s great to see our members out in the community keeping these traditional skills alive. If you see Peter, Steve, or David at the Shed, be sure to ask them how they got on!
We’re thrilled to share an update on our second fantastic ‘Tree’ project with Herne Juniors! As you know, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes, and we’re delighted to announce that the new Herne Junior School Tree has now been successfully installed.
It’s up! Our second Herne School Tree is now proudly standing in its new home!
Last week saw a burst of creativity as some enthusiastic Herne Junior pupils joined members of the Petersfield Men’s Shed for a vibrant painting event. The afternoon was a fantastic success, and we managed to get all the necessary elements beautifully painted, thanks to the hard work and artistic flair of everyone involved.
We were so impressed by the dedication and imaginative ideas of the Year 6 pupils who participated. Their energy was infectious, and they truly brought the ‘Tree’ to life with their colourful contributions. A big thank you also to the two supportive teachers who joined us and the half dozen of members of the shed who kept the session running smoothly. We kept the creative spirits high with plenty of squash and biscuits to keep everyone going!
The positive feedback we received makes all the effort worthwhile. One particularly heartwarming comment from a mum whose child attended the painting session truly highlighted the special nature of these projects:
“One of the children hasn’t stopped talking about it. He said it’s a nice place for retired people.” 🤣
This lovely sentiment perfectly captures the wonderful intergenerational connection and sense of community that these collaborations foster. It’s fantastic to know the children feel such a positive connection to what they helped create.
But don’t just take our word for it! We’re excited to share some photos from both the fun-filled painting day last week and the newly installed Herne Junior School Tree. Take a look below to see the colourful creations and the finished piece in its rightful place!
We hope the new Herne Junior School Tree will be a source of joy, inspiration, and perhaps even a nice spot for contemplation (for all ages!) at Herne Junior School for many years to come.
A huge thank you once again to the wonderful Herne Junior School pupils, the supportive teachers, and our dedicated shed members for making this second ‘Tree’ project such a colourful and successful endeavor.
