Postie keeps rural skill alive

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AN ANCIENT rural skill is being kept alive along the Wey and Arun Canal, thanks to a postman from Loxwood.
Keith Nichols, 57, leads a team of hedgelayers working on the banks of the canal.

Apart from improving the appearance of the waterside footpaths, the hedges create proper boundaries to keep stock away from water, and provide habitats for wildlife.

Keith's empoyers have now officially recognised his hard work - he is the London and South East regional winner of the Community Award in the annual Royal Mail 1st Class People Awards.

He will receive £500 at a presentation in London on Monday March 30.

Keith, who became interested in conservation work 37 years ago and started canal restoration work 27 years ago, said that he came up with the idea while he was volunteering for the trust.

Similar to coppicing, hedgelaying involves cutting part way through each stem and bending it over so that each one produces several new vertical shoots.

Over time, these grow to form a sturdy barrier.

For comprehensive coverage of all the stories making the local news, read Friday's edition of the West Sussex County Times newspaper. Visitors to http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; who wish to purchase a copy of the County Times newspaper but live outside our circulation area can do so by telephoning 01403 751200 and asking for reception. The cost of the newspaper plus postage in England is £1.55 which can be paid for by credit card. Overseas rates are also available, on request.