The Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary is using a traditional country skill to create secure enclosures for the donkeys and provide added enrichment.

The ecology and conservation team and volunteers have used the method of hedge-laying across many areas of the sanctuary, including the New Arrivals Unit. 

Hedge laying is a traditional skill which has been practised for centuries. It provides a living fence that benefits wildlife whilst at the same time offering a secure barrier which keeps the donkeys safe. It is a sympathetic management of a hedgerow in keeping with The Donkey's Sanctuary's efforts to create a diverse environment. 

Hedge laying is a seasonal job which is carried out over the winter months when shrubs and trees are dormant, and birds have finished nesting. Hand tools are used to partially cut existing shrubs and small trees through their stems at an angle several inches above the ground. 

The plants are then laid over in the direction of the hedge, weaved together and secured with stakes. This soon encourages new growth to be produced, which regrows from the base to fill the gaps and create a beautiful strong and dense hedge. 

Donkeys enjoying the cut plants (The Donkey Sanctuary)

As well as providing natural habitats for animals and birds, the cuttings from the hedges - such as hazel and willow - have been given to the donkeys to provide extra enrichment, offering them more opportunities to interact with their environment, make choices and be mentally and physically active. 

Pascal Bisson, Apprentice Ecology and Conservation Officer said: "Hedge laying regenerates a hedge, giving it greater density and a robust base. This provides a more substantial windbreak for our donkeys and an ecological benefit to wildlife. 

"The thickly-woven branches of a well-laid hedge offer an excellent habitat for birds, small mammals, insects and reptiles. Hedges grow back incredibly quickly from hedge laying. After a year a hawthorn hedge can send up stems two-feet tall!" 

Marianne Steele, CEO of The Donkey Sanctuary added: "This is a great example of how our conservation work supports our native wildlife, while creating safe and secure enclosures and enrichment for our donkeys."