Dead hedges on a steep slope: managing water at Inversnaid

Large scale patching with moss and multiple tiny dead hedges close to large stumps at top of the bank

One of the more challenging areas we have been working on at Inversnaid is the steep slope between the woodland and the public road. The soils are very thin and parts of the slope are exposed, so there is a risk of losing what little soil cover remains if water is allowed to run unchecked downhill.

Frequency of hedging is increased on the steeper slopes.

As part of the wider restoration work, we have been clearing Rhododendron ponticum and other exotic vegetation from the slope. With the dense vegetation removed, the way water moves across the ground becomes an important consideration. Rather than trying to prevent water from moving downhill, we are using dead hedges to interrupt its flow and reduce the formation of longer erosion lines.

Where the ground allows, the hedges are positioned broadly along the contours, with gaps and changes in direction according to the shape of the slope. Existing stumps and trees provide natural anchor points for the branches, which means the structures can be built with relatively little additional disturbance. On ground where the soil is so thin that further disturbance could expose bedrock, this is particularly important.

The hedges also allow us to make use of material produced through the clearance work. Branches that might otherwise have been chipped or composted can remain on the site and become part of the restoration work itself.

Working with what is already there

We are also making use of moss and other material removed during clearance. Moss is taken from branches being stored as firewood because it slows the drying process and can contribute to chimney deposits if burned. Where moss or lichen is present on branches being used in the dead hedges, it is left in place.

Moss removed during clearance is returned to the slope, where it can help retain moisture and provide a surface for seeds and other organic material to collect. We have already seen natural regeneration taking place in areas where this approach has been used.

Natural regeneration of oak seedlings establishing within the moss mulch since summer 2025

Self seeded birch and heather regenerating since Summer 2025

The position beside the public road also influenced how the hedges were constructed. Following clearance, some sections of the slope were quite exposed, so the staggered structures provide definition while vegetation begins to return. Their placement follows the contours and existing features of the ground, rather than introducing a separate structure into the landscape.

Mosses to are added to each level, working top to bottom as material becomes available.

There is no single pattern being applied across the site. Each section of the slope has different conditions, and the position of the hedges depends on the landform, existing trees and stumps, water movement and the material available.

Work in progress as moss still to be added to this bank

For us, this is an important part of restoration at Inversnaid: working with the particular conditions of the site and finding ways to use what is already there, rather than introducing unnecessary infrastructure or disturbance.

#Re-Inversnaid #lochlomond and trossachs #Naturerestorationfund #Rhododendronpontiucm #INNSremoval #Deadhedging