We have been busy at the new play area in Southwood Road, Rusthall, improving the natural boundaries around the newly developed site.

All the work has been carried out by volunteers, coming from far and wide to kindly offer their help. This included our regular Wednesday Volunteer group, Rusthall Village association, The Zone Youth Group, Hadlow College students and pupils from Angley School (Cranbrook) who are studying for a diploma in countryside and environment.

The plan was to restore the original hedging through coppicing and planting new hedge in the gaps left by dead trees, although some standing dead wood was left as it is great for wildlife and the covering of ivy really buzzes in the summer. The project will see the creation of 150m of new hedge and a similar amount of existing hedgerow restored.

Non-native species have been removed and species like hawthorn and blackthorn have been planted instead, this will help to encourage the wildlife in the area. Hedges are important corridors for birds, mammals and insects and they also provide food and shelter, so this work funded by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council should really enhance the natural setting of the new play area.