SOUTH West Lakes Trust will be running another series of its popular rural skills courses at Roadford Lake this winter.

Starting on Sunday January 17 at 9am, the one-day hedge laying course will give the opportunity to learn traditional skills. It will be followed by a coppicing course on Sunday January 24.

Courses are £10 per session. Booking is essential as only eight places are available, Call 01566 771930 for booking and further information.

Hedge laying as we know it today began in the 18th century. Open fields were enclosed using ditches and then hedges. A hedge left to grow unchecked will eventually become a line of trees and of no use for retaining livestock.

Barbed wire was unknown at that time and so ways were sought to make the hedges stock proof, and the skills of the hedge layer came to the fore.

Today's hedge layers are as much concerned with conserving the countryside as with making stock-proof hedges. We now have a greater knowledge of wildlife and how well-managed hedges are essential to the countryside.

Suitable outdoor work clothes, including sturdy boots or shoes with a good grip and work gloves are necessary.

Unfortunately the activity and terrain are not appropriate for children or the less-abled.

Meet Mark Green, conservation officer, at 9am at Roadford Lake Angling and Watersports Centre, the course will last until 3.30pm so people are asked to bring a packed lunch and refreshments. Restroom facilities are located at the Watersports Centre.

Please note that on this occasion dogs are not permitted.

There will be other events happening at South West Lakes Trust venues throughout the winter and full details may be obtained from the South West Lakes Trust at http://www.swlakestrust.org.uk">www.swlakestrust.org.uk or by calling 01566 771930.