Hurdles as Windbreaks

[kidsspace]

I'd really like to make some willow or hazel hurdles to use as windbreaks on my very exposed allotment (yes, I know what I'm doing!).  Does anyone have any ideas of where I might get the materials from?  I've tried the local wildlife trust but they're not cutting any at the moment.  Alternatively, any other ideas for cheap windbreaks? :)
All ideas gratefully received.
Thanks
Ann

[kidsspace]

[star]

I doubt they will be cutting any till spring kidsspace, have you tried to google suppliers in your area? Sometimes garden centres have cheapo looking hurdle type things, but I dont think they're very strong.

Good luck and welcome to the site  ;)

[manicscousers]

hiya, kidsspace..welcome to the site, we grow our own hazel but all ours is cut in autumn, after we take the nuts off  ;D
hope you find someone with some left  :)

[kidsspace]

Thannks for the response guys.
I'm sure something will turn up before the winds batter my winter beans and peas to bits! :)

[silverbirch]

How about windbreak netting (or shade netting)?  May not be as pretty but it will do the job, and may be available in your local garden centre

[windygale]

hi kidsspace, have a look for a local thatcher, he will beable to help you, and if you ask him/her sweetly he'll build you some for a price, as they are an art to make,  ;D ;D ;D

[Old bird]

Hi Kidspace

Sounds like you are a handyperson and good luck with making your hurdles!  I would love something like that.  Where I live I used to go out and collect my own bean sticks but it is quite hard work lugging them back from the hills!

Until you get the bits you need why don't you ask at a scaffolding company for the netting stuff that they have round scaffolding to stop stuff blowing away.  They must have bits that are too small to re-use lying around! Otherwise you can buy the stuff but it only comes in HUGE rolls - far too much for smallish jobs - but some of the rest you can use as tunnel type covers to keep pests/wind out.  It comes in 3 colours and you can find it on ebay - problem is I can't remember what they call it!

Silly Old Bird

;D

[franklynn]

Hi why not get hold of willow or hazel plants and create your own living windbreaks, yes I know it will take years.
Frank

[kidsspace]

Thanks, there's some good ideas there.  No thatchers round here - derbyshire peak district, but I've applied to santa for some hazel and willow saplings to plant for the future.  The netting sounds like a good start for now, I'll see what I can scrounge.
Thanks for the response. :) :)

[tim]

Passing thought.  Surely hurdles would be too dense? Teaching is for a 50%? density??

And the protected area is 3 times the height of the break.

In 'the olden days' we used to have a 6' Rokolene break around the lotties.

[Obelixx]

Google for local willow weavers.  They are currently using freshly cut stems for making potentially living sculptures.  I'm booked in for a course on Tuesday using fresh willow.  They're quite cheap.  The expensive bit is the teacher so maybe you could order some through a local craftsman or woman.  If you don't want them to grow, just let them dry out in a garage for a week or so.   Garden centres also sometimes stock hazel stems for use as rustic bean poles.

[Toadspawn]

Willow will root very easily especially in wet ground. If you have access to willow trees see if you can persuade the owner to let you have some thin branches maybe up to 4' long. Push them into the soil at about 6-12" apart and stand back and wait. Not all will root but at least you will have the start of a wind break. You can weave them together if you want when they show signs of growth.