Energy Map for Planning
Here are the latest updates on Energy Schemes planned or to be proposed around Reach. (larger map uploaded)
More information is being uploaded.
Hedge Laying 24 Acres
On 2 February 2025 seven villagers joined a team of ten from Cambridge Conservation Volunteers (CCV) to lay part of the hedge on the southern boundary of the 24 Acres. The hedge sits on land leased by the Parish Council (PC) from the National Trust. The hedge laying was organised by the PC.
The hedge, formed of native species, mainly hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple, dogwood and dog rose, was planted by villagers about a decade ago. It has developed well, so much so that it was beginning to intrude on the cricket pitch and the neighbouring byway. It could have been flailed or mechanically cut back but the PC opted for a more traditional approach because it will create a denser and more biodiverse hedge that is better to look at.
The day in question was dry and bright and the team achieved its target of laying 50 metres of hedge, about a third of its total length. The CCV experts had noted beforehand that the hedge was in ideal condition for laying and were pleased with the results, as were we.
The villagers involved in the task were able to learn how to use a billhook and bow saw to manipulate the shrubs of the hedge into place without killing them. This will stand us in good stead when we come to lay the remainder of the hedge and then to maintain it. On this occasion we used imported hazel stakes and willow binders to give the hedge a robust structure but in the future we hope to use hazel coppiced from Reach Wood.
We will be laying the remainder of the 24 Acres hedge in 2026 and 2027 and will need to re-lay the hedge in a decade’s time. So, whilst the nature of hedge laying limits the number of people that can be actively involved on any one task, the PC would welcome hearing from other villagers who would like to learn a new skill and want to have a go.
Nick Acklam
Community Orchard Planting
This was the first of the 24Acres projects to reach fruition.
David Thomas, as well as leading the whole 24Acres activities was project leader for the Community Orchard with lots of help from his team, notably Graham Lingley.
The main tree supplier was the East of England Apples and Orchards Project – and we are delighted with what was supplied.
Other suppliers were Ashridge, Deacons Nurseries and Keepers.
Ultimately, the Big Tree Plant agreed to provide some of the money (as well as supporting our Avenue of Limes) with ECDC (via their Small Villages Grant) providing the rest and we thank them both very much.
The planting day duly arrived . . . .
1. A virtually empty field – with some practice planting in place
2. Andrew Trump brought the trees in his horsebox and confidently drove it onto the field pulled by his Skoda (would you not have thought he’d have used a car?). It duly got stuck.
3. We were all very grateful to Jason who came along and pulled it out.
4. Andrew was sent away to dig holes . . . .
5. Jon and Catherine Cane with children David and Kathryn
6. Sarah Mollart and Marcus Waithe from Snib End
6. And here they are again, this time with Jo Riches and daughter Lily
7. The Goodchilds Martin and Joss planting their Idared Dessert Apple
8. Debbie Lingley gives the post some grief . . . .
9. Gareth – got all the stuff, now looking for the appropriate hole . . .
10. David Thomas posing with daughter Freya
11. And now joined by Juliet Vickery – with Bob Proctor in the background . . . .
12. Helen Oliver and Andrew Towers
13. Lois Baker from the National Trust who had a huge positive influence on this project
14. Lily Steed paddling in the mud . . . .
15. It was a really happy family event . . . .
15. Lots going on – with a weird bloke on the left who was a close contender in the silly hat competition . . . .
16. A big contributor to this venture is Graham Lingley on the left – with Andrew Trump who was also an important part of the team
17. Kate Day, Jamie Shackleton and son Ben with Gareth Davies and Leslie Boyle
18. Yvonne and Derek Coombes with their Victoria Plum
19. Andrew Towers with son Harry
20. John Reed – whose involvement in this whole project so far has been immense – thank you John
21. Nick Acklam – having planted 60 trees on the Swaffham Road keeps in practice on the 24Acres
22. Richard and Danuta Gibson who live close by the 24Acres
23. Ross Clark – nice clean hands – so who did all the work Ross?
24. The Redfarns . . . . but where is Buffy?
25. There she is . . . . !
26. Graham Lingley (see photo 31 dialogue) with Bob Proctor
27. Lesley Boyle was in charge of refreshments – sadly a gin and tonic was not available . . . .
28. Andrew Trump with daughter Alice – not sure the sharing of responsibilities is optimal . . .
29. Having done all the work, Alice finishes off the tree planting
30. Dafila Scott with Tim Clutton-Brock and their Dessert Apple Pitmaston Pineapple
31. Finished!
32. Finally – job done and huge thanks to David Thomas – who also came second in the closely fought silly hat competition, with Graham Lingley coming first . . . . see photo 26
Planting the New Tree on the Green
The planting took place in pouring rain on the morning of Saturday 22nd December 2012. The new tree is a Sweet Chestnut Castanea Sativa, starting with a girth of 12-14cm at a height of 1 metre from the base.
It was purchased form Barchams and is a beautiful, fast growing, large tree which is particularly attractive in early summer when laden with its male and female catkins. It will also supply its fruit – hence the song “chestnuts roasting on an open fire”.
Grateful thanks go firstly and foremostly to John Reed who did the vast majority of the planting, using his digger – and who went and got the tree from Barchams, saving us the delivery fee. Thanks also go to Within Reach magazine which purchased the tree for the village.
In the picture you see David Thomas, Chairman of the Parish Council, Claire Halpin-McDonald, Editor of Within Reach and John Reed (who did all the work). Behind the camera is the Clerk, David Parr.
