VOLUNTEERS lent a hand to a prickly task - planting a hawthorn hedge round a traditional orchard.

With direction from Worcestershire County Council's Countryside Officer, 21 eager Worcester Woods Volunteers and tree wardens met at the Countryside Centre, near Spetchley Road, on Saturday, to install the hawthorn barrier around the Old Hornhill Farm Orchard - which will also receive care from volunteers.

"The hedge was laid in a traditional manner, called the Midlands Style, which would have been common around Worcester before fences took over," said Wade Muggleton, countryside officer.

Anyone wanting to join the Worcester Woods Volunteer Group should contact 01905 766491, or e-mail wmuggleton@worcestershire.gov.uk

He said the spiky hawthorn branches are trained to form a dense and impenetrable livestock barrier - something that was essential to keep hungry cows out of the orchard.

"We managed to lay more than a hundred yards of hedge," he added.

Anyone wanting to join the Worcester Woods Volunteer Group should contact 01905 766491, or email wmuggleton@worcestershire.gov.uk.