VOLUNTEERS practised their hedge-laying skills in order to understand – and preserve – the ancient craft.

Members of the Cotswold Tree Warden Group (CTWG) visited Ditchford Far Hill Farm, near Moreton-in-Marsh, for the day's activities on Saturday, February 25.

Landowner David Gabb allowed the group to use his land and in return, the CTWG presented him with a supply of young hedging trees.

The whips, or young trees, had been donated to CTWG by The Conservation Volunteers as part of a national programme to encourage tree planting.

Mike Hartnell, along with John Hall from Little Compton, led the training session for members and guests of CTWG.

A spokesman for the group said: "It is useful for tree wardens to gain an understanding of the old craft of hedgelaying and vital to have a suitable venue on which to practice.

"For farmer David Gabb, it was an opportunity to improve a small section of the boundary of his property, as well as providing further useful wildlife habitat.

"Discarded trimmings during the exercise are spread across an adjoining area to provide shelter and hunting ground for birds, small mammals and so on."

For more information about the CTWG visit cotswoldtreewardengroup.wordpress.com