THISMONTH

(^1) HOWTODATEA
HEDGEROW... 123
(^2) TASTY TREND: CHAYOTE... 124
(^3) HOT CROSS BUN BELIEFS... 125
(^4) UPCYCLED HANGING
TOMATO PLANTER... 126
(^5) IDENTIFIER: BIRD EGGS... 127
Make us giggle with a
caption for these nosy
Dartmoor ponies. Each
month we pick our
favourite and send a lovely
book to the winner.
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thesimplethingsmag
PHOTOGRAPHY: NATURE PICTURE LIBRARY
Backin the 1970s, ecologist (andalliteration
fan) Dr Max Hooper suggested his ‘Hooper’s
hedge hypothesis’, a rule ofthumb that helps
estimate the age ofa hedge. It’s a simple idea
that’s stood the test oftime.
Measure 30 metres ofthe hedge and count
the number oftrees and shrubs in them. Avoid
starting at the edge ofthe hedge and only
count species that are wellestablished(an ID
guide may be useful).
Repeat on a couple more 30-metre samples
andthen taketheaverage.
Generally speaking, a new species is
established every 100 years, so yourfigure
should give you a rough idea ofthe hedge’s
age (give or take 200 years).
For an extra degree ofaccuracy, back up
yourfindings by looking up historic local maps.
DATE A HEDGEROW
HOW TO...
Calculate the age of any hedge with
Hooper’s Hedgerow Hypothesis
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A curious combination ofthepracticalandthe playful

Illustration:KAVEL RAFFERTYCompiled by: FRANCES AMBLER

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