November 28, 2024 - Turf Matters

Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials: Hayley’s Farm wanted to improve the environmental credentials of the farm. One goal was to plant 4,500 meters of new hedgerows and to lay 1,300 meters of existing hedgerows. This effort is part of a broader initiative to improve connectivity across the landscape and to create diverse wildlife habitats.

They turned to Essex-based HedgeLife, a company passionate about improving the UK’s hedgerow network. Working for farmers, landowners, and domestic clients, HedgeLife plants, lays and coppices hedges.

Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials

Ian Metson, the owner of HedgeLife has a long-standing relationship with leading landscape supplier Green-tech and used 4000 meters of EcoMatt weed prevention mat, 27,000 Ecowrap tree shelters, and 27,000 supporting bamboo canes for this project.

EcoMatt. An environmentally friendly weed prevention mat that degrades over two growing seasons and helps to suppress competing weed growth within the vicinity of the tree root development area. Manufactured in the UK, exclusively for Green-tech, Ecomatt is made from 100% recycled materials that allow water and air to percolate through the wool layer and help retain moisture during drought. The matting also acts as an insulator and absorbs heat from the sun thus creating an assisted environment for the plant to establish itself.

Ecowrap tree shelters. Designed to protect young broadleaf trees, the Tubex Ecowrap tree shelter is an environmentally conscious choice. Made of non-biodegradable polypropylene, which offers durability and longevity compared to traditional materials, EcoWrap is a new tree guard with many innovative features to protect trees in an environmentally friendly manner. Not only are they fast and straightforward to install, but the Tubex Ecowrap Tree Shelter Guards also trap heat and moisture around the tree to boost survival rates and create the best growing environment possible. The guards expand alongside the tree, providing plenty of space to ensure it isn’t suffocated as it grows.

Canes. Green-tech’s bamboo canes provide crucial support to the young hedgerow plants, ensuring they grow straight and strong. This initial support is vital for establishing a robust and healthy hedgerow.

HedgeLife took a comprehensive approach to the hedgerow project at Hayley’s Farm. They planned the planting and laying of hedgerows to optimise environmental benefits. Green-tech’s materials were central to their strategy, ensuring that the plants were well-protected and had the best possible start.

Ian Metson from HedgeLife explains, “Working with Green-tech has been a seamless experience. Their products are high quality and align with our commitment to sustainability. The project at Hayley’s Farm exemplifies how sustainable agricultural practices and quality materials can create significant environmental benefits. This hedgerow will improve the farm’s ecological credentials and establish vital wildlife habitats, contributing to broader biodiversity goals. Green-tech’s products, such as Ecowrap matting and EcoMatt guards, played a crucial role in the success of this initiative.”

The farm has seen immediate benefits from the project. The newly planted and laid hedgerows are thriving, and the landscape connectivity has been greatly improved. The presence of the hedgerows has already started attracting a variety of wildlife, fulfilling the ecological goals of the project.

James Padfield from Hayley’s Farm adds, “The transformation on our farm is remarkable. The new hedgerows enhance the beauty of our landscape but also provide essential habitats for wildlife. We are grateful to HedgeLife for their expertise and high-quality materials, which made this possible.”

For more information on the products used, visit Green-tech or to learn more about HedgeLife www.hedgelife.co.uk

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Pellenc Fixion 2 lighting up Christmas spirit: In the heart of picturesque Bakewell, the town’s Christmas Tree Team has found a revolutionary ally in the Pellenc Fixion 2 Tying Machine.

Bakewell, nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, is renowned for its festive charm. Each year the Bakewell Christmas Tree Team, led by Robert Boyle, adds a touch of magic to the town, creating an enchanting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Pellenc Fixion 2 lighting up Christmas spirit

“Each year we erect between 80 and 120 5ft Christmas trees, including one 25ft tree,” said Robert. “We cable tie Christmas lights onto every tree, and they need to survive all kinds of harsh weather. It is an arduous job and I have always been looking at ways to make that more efficient and try to be a little bit more environmentally friendly.”

After much research, Robert identified that the Pellenc Fixion 2 was the tool which could make a difference.

Lightweight and easy to handle, the new generation Fixion 2 vine tying machine boosts productivity. Time savings compared to hand tying mean that the investment pays for itself very quickly. Its record weight of 800g, including the battery, offers great freedom to move around while you work. Its ergonomic handle and battery life lets the operator hold the tool securely in their hand throughout a full working day.

Putting up over 100 Christmas trees in Bakewell’s world-renowned town is no small feat, and Robert shared how the Fixion 2 has transformed their Christmas tree decorating tradition: “It has saved us about 40% of the time we would normally spend putting the lights on the trees.

Also, we can wear gloves now – whereas before we couldn’t put cable ties on with gloves because they were just too fiddly. This has massively improved operator comfort.”

Furthermore, Robert highlighted the environmental benefits of using the Fixion 2; “It has allowed us to be more confident in the ways that we recycle the trees after use.”

By replacing traditional cable ties with the Fixion 2, the team has eliminated the use of over 5,000 individual plastic bits, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly Christmas tradition.

The biodegradable nature of Fixion 2 ensures no plastic residue is left on the trees, offering peace of mind when recycling.

“Instead of going in shredders and being taken straight to composting they now go to a local animal sanctuary where they are used for alpacas and goats,” added Robert.

The Pellenc Fixion 2 Tying Machine has not only saved time for the Bakewell Christmas Tree Team but has also elevated their commitment to environmental sustainability. As Bakewell continues to shine with Christmas spirit, the Fixion 2 stands tall as an indispensable tool ensuring the tradition sparkles with efficiency and eco-conscious brilliance.

Pellenc products are exclusively distributed in the UK by Etesia UK.

For more information, visit www.etesia.co.uk/pellenc

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.