Introduction to Hedge laying (2 day course)
Join us and learn the traditional art of hedge laying over 2 days - we'll cover preparing the hedge for laying, pleaching cuts, then finishing with stakes and binders.
A laid hedge is a complex marvel! Its structure absorbs the wind’s energy, and creates an unparalled microclimate with lots of woody material, for sheltering and nesting wildlife.
The hedgerow plants also burst into leaf, flower and fruit – providing food for pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies. The role of these pollinators in growing the crops for food we then put on the table is massively important.
You will learn how to:
- Prepare the hedgerow for laying
- Turning the hedgerow plants into pleachers
- Using stakes and binders to finish the hedgerow
- Links to other traditional management techniques, in particular, coppicing
- Different regional styles of hedgerow (we teach ‘midland’ or ‘bullock’ style to provide boundaries for larger livestock, but also lay hedges in the ‘Somerset’, ‘Devon’ or ‘Dorset’ styles
- Tool sharpening and maintenance
The day will start at 9:30 and end before 4, there will be parking at the farm and more details about this will be sent before the training.
Equipment you should bring
In terms of equipment for the day, please ensure you bring along the following:
- Wet weather clothing (waterproof coat and trousers; gloves; hats; walking or wellington boots)
- Drinks, snacks and lunch (i.e. sandwiches)
- Any additional equipment you might like to include i.e. working gloves, bill-hooks and other hand tools (NB: this includes other personal items you might require, such as medication)
We will provide the following:
- First Aid kit
- PPE: work gloves and eye protectors
- Hand tools (bow-saws, bill-hooks, axes, mallets for stake-knocking, loppers and slashes for bramble removal)
- Stakes and binders
- Sharpening stones for hand tools
There will also be a stove or Kelly kettle, to provide hot drinks (tea and instant coffee). If you would like to bring your own beverages, please also feel free to do so.
Given the nature of the hedgerow we are putting back into a laying cycle, trained operatives will also have chainsaws, polesaws and trimmers, to provide assistance where required. Only operatives with the required training will be permitted to use power tools.
