He takes great satisfaction from the knowledge that his work will last for many years and will be around for future generations to enjoy. His main interest is conservation of the countryside and buildings using local materials together with maintaining and improving hedgerows and woodlands for the benefit of both people and wildlife.

Over the years we have restored several miles of ancient drystone wall in Charnwood Forest and Derbyshire as well as tens of miles of hedgerow by laying or coppicing/replanting in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire.

It was particularly rewarding this season to lay hedges we planted ten years ago using hazel we coppiced from a plantation that we also planted. In addition, for the last three years, most of the stone we have used in new-build projects has been “harvested” from the fields of a local farm with a special machine from Denmark - improving the soil whilst providing us with good quality building stone.

Fieldworkers have been a registered contractor with the National Trust for several years.