The members of Llantilio Crossenny WI were taken on a fascinating and mysterious journey through British hedgerows at their April meeting. Tim Kaye from Herefordshire-based ‘Cultivating Learning and Nature’ (CLaN for short) reminded us that hedgerows are wondrous places full of fungi, mosses, insects, moths, herbs, flowers and birds as well as the more obvious trees and shrubs.

Tim began by taking us back to the Enclosure Acts that were passed in Britain between 1750 and 1850 which allowed landowners to enclose common land, often with hedges made of hazel, blackthorn, hawthorn, elder, field maple and holly. Although this period of history was when most hedgerows were planted in the UK, there are remaining examples of hedges dating back to medieval times. As a result, over the years, we have hedgerows which are historically significant and also rich in ecological biodiversity.

We learned many fascinating things during the talk including the fact that hawthorn can grow to the size of a cricket pavilion, the Robins Pin Cushion is a ‘gall’ caused by the larvae of a tiny gall wasp and you should ask holly for permission to cut it down. We also now know that that meadowsweet makes lovely tea (in moderation) and that hogweed is tastier than asparagus.

Tim illustrated his talk with some wonderful photographs that vividly showed the beauty of hedgerows. Examples that spring to mind are the Hoary Willowherb which is beautifully intricate and Fluted Birds’ Nest fungi which have a hairy exterior and grooved (striated) inner walls.

Although many of our members live in rural communities surrounded by hedgerows, we were each reminded that they offer diverse habitats and provide many benefits to both the environment and to agriculture. There are 2070 species in a well managed hedgerow and Tim inspired us to go out and take a look!

And what of Jelly Ear, Arched Earthstar and Hemlock Water-Dropwort?

Jelly Ear is brown and gelatinous fungi that looks scarily like a pile of ears and Arched Earthstar is distinctive star-shaped fungi that wouldn’t look out of place at the bottom of the sea.

Hemlock Water Dropwort is the most poisonous plant native to the UK and death can occur within a couple of hours if ingested. It looks a bit like flat leafed parsley so beware! Thanks to Sue Raynor for the detailed report on Tim’s visit.

In addition to the monthly meeting, our members enjoyed their usual variety of activities and interests. We entered two competitions organised by the Gwent Federation of WIs, the Annual Quiz and the Royal Welsh Show Competitions day in Usk.

Our Quiz team of three did us proud especially on the joker round where they secured 18 out of 20 marks. As a result, Llantilio Crossenny WI gained its highest ever placing against very tough competition from all the other WIs in Gwent and most importantly thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

A team of different talents within our WI produced some marvellous individual elements in the theme of ’Shades of One Colour’ in the Royal Welsh show eliminator. The group chose the colour green for their display, which was entitled ‘How Green Is My Valley’. We gained some very high marks for most of the individual elements, which is very encouraging. We were not placed in the top three on this occasion but will be working hard to improve our overall presentation for the next Competition. The team very much enjoyed taking part and seeing the other beautiful displays on show’.

The V E Celebrations in Llanvapley will take place on 11th May from 11.00 am – 4 p.m. All are welcome.

Our next WI meeting will be our AGM to be held on Wednesday 14th May at Llanvapley pavilion at 7pm. A fish and chip supper will be served so please contact a committee member if you’re interested in coming in order to confirm numbers. Our President of 12 years, Lin Morris will be retiring so please join us as we celebrate her commitment to WI.

Further information available from Lin on 07840641856 😀