Dawn, Priory Country Park, Bedford

We were staying at the Park to lay a hedge along a footpath. Hedge-laying involves cutting almost through the trunks of thorn trees and laying them down in a row to create a hedge. stakes are hammered into the ground to keep the hedge in line, and willows are woven along the top to keep it all together and make it look pretty. The tree continues to grow in its prone position, making the hedge even more effective. The cutting is called pleaching, the willow weaving is called ethering.

This picture was taken just after sunrise on a cold Winter's morning.