Roots & boundaries: Hedgelaying for nature-friendly farms

NFFN are delighted to be partnering with Guardswell Farm to bring you Roots & Boundaries - a hands-on hedgelaying training day in beautiful Perthshire. Join expert hedgelayer Torquil Varty for a full day of practical learning designed for farmers, land managers, and stewards who will actively use these skills on the land.

Through demonstrations and supervised practice, participants will gain confidence in laying a hedge in a regional style, while mastering essential techniques in tool use, hedge preparation, finishing, and aftercare. The course also covers the wider benefits of hedgelaying: supporting biodiversity, improving habitat connectivity, storing carbon, and offering economic advantages such as reduced fencing costs and eligibility for agri-environment support.

With a small-group format (maximum 10 participants), the day encourages peer learning, skill sharing, and practical discussion on integrating hedgelaying into modern, nature-friendly farming systems. A lunch is provided, and the course takes place on the working, nature-friendly Guardswell Farm.

Torquil Varty

Based in Angus, Torquil runs Angus Boundaries, a specialist business dedicated to the restoration and care of traditional field boundaries. With more than 25 years of hedgelaying experience, he has worked across a huge variety of farms and habitats, helping land managers bring neglected hedges back into productive, wildlife-rich condition.