As part of National Tree Week, Sunday March 4th- Saturday 2012 , Kildare County Council has organised two hedge laying demonstrations at the Athy Waste Water Treatment Plant in Ardrew and the Wonderful Barn in Leixlip on Tue 6th and Wed 7th respectively between 11am-3pm. Hedge laying is the traditional method of maintaining hedges and involves cutting through most of the stem of the hawtorn or blackthorn hedge and folding the stems over to produce a stock-proof barrier. It also provides a much better habitat for wildlife, as the hedge becomes much thicker and therefore safer for nesting birds etc.. It is becoming less common with modern farming practices but has recently become more popular through the work of the Irish Hedge Laying Association www.hedgelaying.ie

The full list of events during National Tree Week is as follows:

Sun 4th March Forest Walk in Donadea in conjunction with Coillte lead by George Hipwell (meet at the Castle at 2pm)
Tues 6th March  Athy Waterworks Plant Hedge Laying 11am-3pm
Wed 7th March Wonderful Barn Hedge Laying 11am-3pm
Thurs 8th March Talk on Folklore of trees and Champion & Heritage Trees with Niall Mc Coitir & Aubrey Fennel, Naas Library 7.30pm - 9pm