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Hedgelaying
Course Content
- Theory, practice and benefits
- Tool use and selection
- Hedgelaying styles
- Staking and binding
- Legal issues
Traditionally cutting and laying hedges was a method of regenerating living boundaries. As hedgerow plants grow they became shaded at the base so the lower limbs of the trees and shrubs die off die off due to lack of light and leave gaps in the hedge.
The process of the craft involves partially severing the stems of the hedgerow plants allowing them to be bent over at roughly forty five degrees. Although partially cut through enough remains to keep the all important flow of water, nutrients and sugars going. The result is a living barrier which also regenerates from the stumps in a similar way to coppice producing a very solid and impenetrable barrier.
In most regional styles the hedge would then be staked for strength and bound across the top for stability using hazel or willow binders.
Originally this technique was chiefly about keeping in livestock but today the importance of hedgerows as wildlife corridors are widely recognised. A good network of these living barriers links areas of wildlife habitat together allowing populations to move from one area to another.
Whether your interest lies in wildlife habitat enhancement or preventing livestock from straying, this is a beautiful and rewarding craft going back centuries and worth learning from this point of view alone.
Course Dates
Hedgelaying
Please read the following information before booking:
Please note that by booking on to our courses you agree to our terms and conditions.
On catered courses we try and accommodate most diets including gluten free and vegetarian. If you have severe allergies, a specific and complicated diet or are a strict vegan then there may be times we cannot accommodate your needs. Please contact the office prior to making any online booking if you fall into this latter category so we can discuss your options.
Price includes camping, food and materials. Aimed at 18 years and over although we do offer places to younger people at our discretion. Please enquire.
25 February 2012
Course: Hedgelaying
Location: Nr Midhurst, West Sussex
Course Leader: John Rhyder
Course Size: 8 (maximum)
Cost Per Person: £75 (Deposit £25)
18 November 2012 Full
Course: Hedgelaying
Location: Nr Midhurst, West Sussex
Course Leader: John Rhyder
Course Size: 8 (maximum)
Cost Per Person: £75 (Deposit £25)
Review Course (2)
What's it about?
The first step in maintaining hedgerows by cutting and laying is to remove all of the unwanted material. This is often the hardest part to grasp and will be covered in depth. Take out too much material and the hedge remains full of holes, leave too much in and the plants still suffer from shade problems. Having prepared the hedgerow for management and after a short demonstration you will be let loose on your own section to lay. When all sections have been finished we will cover the staking and binding element with everyone having a change to master this for themselves.
For anyone wishing to have a more formal record of this course we are able to issue a Certificate of Attendance. Please note this is not an assessed certificate and therefore is not recognition of competence.
Why choose us?
We have extensive experience in many traditional crafts and this is no exception. We have taught this subject for a number of years both for ourselves and for local colleges. We also used to lay hedges commercially averaging over a thousand yards each winter in private gardens, large estates and farmland.
Kit list
- Stout boots preferably steel toe capped
- Sturdy thorn and fire resistant outdoor clothing
- Favourite axe or billhook if you wish although all tools can be loaned for the course
- Strong gloves
Additional Details
- We will provide hot drinks but are likely to be away from our normal site so please bring a packed lunch.
- Arrival is at 9 am and the course ends at 4pm
