We tend to cut these twice, or at most three times a year - one big cut at the end of June (by which time hopefully the birds which nest within the hedges have got at least one brood out of the way), a potential late-summer 'trim', and the pre-winter end of the year tidy-up. This year it has seemed like even more of a major task than previously - although we did 'remodel' one section, which involved a fairly radical cut.
On the whole it was just a bit of a slog in the hot weather, with Martin cutting while I cleared up the debris. Ended up filling 5 of these big bags and taking them out to the tip - the trailer has come in really useful here!
And on the final day - despite having applied my insect repellent - I fell victim to a passing horsefly. So I now have a rather impressive bump on my knee, and am popping antihistamine every 4 hours. Hopefully normality will resume shortly as it's making it rather stiff going at the moment.
Giving serious consideration to investing in a zapper thing which generates a mild electric shock - apparently if applied to a bite within an hour or so it can help reduce the swelling and itchiness. Will report back on said device in due course - although hopefully I'll never have occasion to use the thing if I do buy it!
