Hoggin

March 2022 started with removing branches from a previously felled cherry laurel tree on the edge of the east woods. These were loaded onto a trailer ready to be chipped back at the lodge.

The cherry laurel gives off a smell of sweet almonds. However, care must be taken when chipping, as this can release toxic hydrocyanic fumes into the air.

Then it was off to the woods near Catton Hall, where we were continuing to cut down laurel bushes. Previous piles of cut branches lay in several parts of the wood. 

The second week of march involved planting Blackthorn 'bare-root' whips along the open fence-line in front of Catton Hall (approx 200). This took up most of the day, but also included removing lots of broken branches from under the nearby Sequoia tree - caused by recent storms.

 

We completed planting the blackthorn in the following week.

A new 'hoggin' path was being created along the edge of the west woods. Matt (warden) had already cut about 100m of pathway using the bucket of the tractor. Our task was to cut a deep edge along the path and raking the soil into the middle. The deep edges act as a retaining wall for the hoggin when it is spread onto the path, and the slightly raised centre will allow any surface water to drain off to the sides. 

  

The path was eventually extended to link up with the parking bay outside of the picnic area.

Hoggin is a mixture of gravel, sand and clay that compacts well to give a hard surface.

A wacker plate will be used to pack the surface.