Stop the pigeon!
This new technique was development by National Trust worker Paul Delaney. It solves the problems of 'pigeon holing' on grassy paths and has low visual impact compared with traditional repair methods.
What is pigeonholing?
Pigeonholing occurs on grassy slopes when large numbers of walkers follow the same line up a hill, creating a continuous line of circular patches devoid of vegetation. If ignored, the pigeonholes become larger until they join together to form a gully.
Generally these holes can be easily repaired with seed and turf. But the continuing pressure from walkers and livestock often means these repairs never take hold and have to be repeated each year. We needed to protect the newly healed landscape more effectively. The solution is cloche netting - willow supports with a fine wire mesh covering.
Repairing pigeonholes
- Remove remaining soil from the holes and put it to one side, taking care not to enlarge the eroded area
- Place suitable-sized stones in the bottom of each hole, replace the soil and compact it to the same level as the surrounding landscape
- Generously seed and fertilize the area
Constructing cloche netting
- Use green willow stems to form hoops across the repair at roughly 1 metre intervals, although the meanders of the hill determine the final positioning
- Lay willow along the central line to form a ridgepole for the entire length of the repair. This provides the framework for the cloche and is generally no more than 25 cms high
- Drape the frame with fine chicken wire (80 cms width, 25 mm mesh) and secure using bag ties to form a tunnel
- Peg ends to the ground
- Cut small holes in the tops to allow any trapped birds to escape
As the grass either side of the cloche will temporarily be under greater pressure, we usually fertilise it. The cloche is left in place through the growing season and is removed after 6 to 9 months when a good cover of growth has established.