Hedge-Laying
Hedge-Laying
Work alongside Farmer Tim and learn then ancient art of hedge-laying. In this hands-on hedge-laying course you’ll lay a hedge from start to finish, including:
- Preparing the ground.
- How to use the hedge-layers tool – a billhook – safely.
- Cutting wooden stakes and hazel bindings.
- 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 creates a living, natural boundary to a livestock field or garden. It’s the natural old-fashioned way to stock-proof your field for sheep or cattle. Using little more than a billhook, an experienced hedge-layer can create 20 metres of laid hedge in a day. The challenge is on to see how much you will lay!
Hedge-laying season and hedge-laying courses run from October to March, so be prepared to get wet and muddy. We know you’ll go away being amazed with what you have achieved in a day.
What you'll learn
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Introduction to Hedge-Laying
Before heading out to the fields we will teach you the theory of hedge-laying. You’ll learn when & why you might want to lay hedges before looking at techniques, tools and regional variations.
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Hands-on practice
Head out to the Humble by Nature fields where Farmer Tim will demonstrate how to use the tools safely and lay a section of hedge. Then it’s time to have a go yourself.
Farmer Tim will be on hand to help and guide you to create your own section of laid hedge. -
Q&A
The course will finish with tea and cake and the opportunity to ask any further questions.
Testimonials..
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The whole day was relaxed, informative, and fun.
And, despite the energy expelled in hacking my way through brambles and blackthorn, I think I put on weight - the food was so good.Mike -
A really good practical guide, lots of hand on experience and great fun. Would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who really wants to learn this great craft.
Tom -
The great food sustained us all and a great hands on day - creating a "layed" hedge.
Judy & Nick
Availability
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The Essentials
Hedge-Laying runs from 10am until 4pm and includes a delicious farm lunch.
Much of the day will be spent outside in the field and you may get muddy. Please check the weather for NP25 and dress appropriately, including:
– Layers, including weather-proof outdoor clothing and boots
– Thick gardening gloves to prevent scratches
We will provide all the hedge-laying tools.
Your instructor for the day..
Humble By Nature's exceptional resident farmer Humble by Nature farmer Tim grew up on a farm and has been farming…