Humble by Nature

HEDGE YOUR BETS: Hedge-Laying

Hedge-laying is the ancient craft of creating a living, natural boundary to a livestock field or garden.  Using little more than a chopping tool called a billhook, an experienced hedge-layer can create 20 metres of laid hedge in a day, the natural old-fashioned way to stock-proof your field for sheep or cattle.

On this very hands-on course, our experienced farmer Tim Stephens will work alongside you to create a new laid hedge - everything from preparing the ground, to cutting wooden stakes and hazel bindings, to the skilled art of ‘pleaching’ – slicing the stem of a tree just enough to keep it alive and make it supple enough to become part of the laid hedge.

Hedge-laying is an autumn and winter activity so after a delicious lunch be prepared to get wet and muddy!  This course will give you the confidence and skill to create your own laid hedge.