Heading for cuts

I have a mature hawthorn hedge around one of the pieces of land I rent. Thick branches and very hard thorns are its defining characteristics. On Friday I discovered some of our hens were getting through a gap in the hedge we be blocked it up with some wire netting and bamboo canes. Alas, as I was pressing most of my body weight on the cane to get it into the ground, it shattered and I went head first into the hedge. The resulting cut above my eyes has been something of a talking point when I meet people. Sadly, the genuine explanation is somewhat less interesting than the suggestions made by some as to how I came by the injury!