15 Dec 2023
Taking advantage of a break in the rain, half a dozen members of The Friends of Jersey Lane volunteered their time on Friday to assist in the planting of what will, in time, grow to become a new stretch of native hedgerow.
In all, 120 small trees – termed ‘whips’ – were planted, staked and given protective covers in a short section of Jersey Lane close to Barnfield Road in Marshalswick. The whips, including hornbeam, hazel, field maple and crab apple, were donated by Herts county council under the ‘Your Tree’ scheme.
Jersey Lane, which stretches for 2.5 km between busy Marshalswick Lane and the village of Sandridge, provides a traffic-free path popular with walkers, cyclists, joggers and the occasional horse-rider. It is much valued for its variety of native trees and wildlife, including, amazingly, as many as seven different species of bat.
The Friends of Jersey Lane, formed in April this year, has a growing membership of more than 50. It was set up to promote the conservation of the Lane’s natural assets and enhance its biodiversity through engaging with local residents and supporting the existing Greenspace Action Plan.
Committee member Sue Mayo said: “Get in touch if you would like to join future volunteer working parties. It’s good fun!”
Further information can be found on the group’s Facebook page (‘Friends of Jersey Lane’) and via friendsofjerseylane@gmail.com.
