Uncover Top UK Destinations to Perfect Your Skills in Traditional English Hedgelaying
If you’re fascinated by the ancient art of hedgelaying and want to immerse yourself in the traditional techniques that have shaped the UK’s landscapes, you’re in the right place. Hedgelaying is more than just a rural skill; it’s a way to connect with nature, conserve wildlife habitats, and appreciate the diverse regional traditions that make each hedge unique.
Understanding Hedgelaying: A Regional Art Form
Hedgelaying is not just about cutting and laying hedges; it’s an art form that varies significantly across different regions of the UK. Each style reflects the local climate, soil conditions, and historical practices that have been passed down through generations.
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“For example, if you see a hedge that is 4ft 6in high, with hazel stakes and woven hazel binders along the top, you are likely in the Midlands, known for its foxhunting country,” explains Robin Dale, chairman of the National Hedge-laying Society (NHLS)[1].
Here are some key regional styles to look out for:
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- Midlands Style: Characterized by hazel stakes and binders, this style is common in areas known for foxhunting.
- Derbyshire Style: Uses sawn timber stakes without binders.
- Lancashire and Westmorland Style: Known for its quick and practical method, with pleachers laid at a 45-degree angle between double rows of stakes.
- Devon Style: Hedges are often on top of a bank, with binders secured by crooked hazel sticks.
- Welsh Borders Style: Designed to contain sheep, these hedges are packed with dead wood to prevent nibbling and have stakes set at an angle to keep rainwater away from the stools[1].
Top Destinations for Learning Hedgelaying
If you’re eager to learn and master these traditional techniques, here are some of the best places in the UK to do so:
Midlands
The Midlands, particularly areas like Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, are renowned for their hedgelaying traditions. Here, you can learn the classic Midland Bullock style, which involves using hazel stakes and binders to create a robust and stockproof barrier.
Practical Tips:
- Join a local hedgelaying course or workshop to learn from experienced practitioners.
- Visit historic estates that still maintain traditional hedgelaying practices.
- Participate in competitions like the Midland Open Class to see the techniques in action[1].
Lancashire and Westmorland
For a more rapid and efficient method, head to Lancashire or Westmorland in the north of England. Here, you’ll learn the Lancashire and Westmorland style, which allows farmers to lay up to 100 yards of hedge per day.
Example:
Dave Sands, a South of England intermediate judge, notes, “It’s very quick and practical, and the farmers up in Cumbria and on the fells can lay up to 100yd a day. It doesn’t have any binding in the top, but the stakes hold it from popping out the sides until the new growth comes through the bottom”[1].
Devon
Devon offers a unique opportunity to learn hedgelaying on top of banks, a style that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The use of crooked hazel sticks to secure binders is a distinctive feature of this region.
Anecdote:
In Devon, the combination of hedges on banks and the use of natural materials like hazel sticks creates a landscape that is not only beautiful but also highly effective in managing wildlife and livestock[1].
Welsh Borders
The Welsh borders are ideal for learning how to lay hedges designed to contain sheep. Here, you’ll learn how to pack the hedge with dead wood and set stakes at an angle to protect the regenerating shoots from sheep nibbling.
Wildlife Consideration:
This style is particularly beneficial for wildlife conservation, as it ensures the hedge remains dense and provides habitat for various species. The Welsh Government often supports such initiatives to conserve and enhance rural landscapes[1].
Cost-Effectiveness and Modern Relevance
While modern stock fencing might seem more convenient, traditional hedgelaying has its own set of advantages. Here’s a comparison to help you understand the costs and benefits:
Type of Fencing | Cost per Meter | Lifespan | Labor Requirements | Materials Needed |
---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional Hedge | £10-£12 | 25 years | High labor, local materials | Hazel stakes, binders, chestnut stakes |
Wire Stock Fencing | £5.50 | 15 years | Moderate labor, commercial materials | Wire, posts, strainers |
Quote:
Dave Sands emphasizes, “A hedge laid in the South of England style will cost about £10 to £12 per metre and today, with a chainsaw, a man can do about 30 to 40 metres a day. Compare it with wire stock fencing, where you have to buy the wire and the posts and strainers and then pay for the labor on top of that”[1].
Practical Steps to Lay a Hedge
If you’re ready to get your hands dirty, here’s a step-by-step guide to laying a hedge:
Preparing the Site
- Clear the area of any debris and weeds.
- Cut the hedge stems (pleachers) half through, just above a bud or a lateral branch.
Laying the Hedge
- Bend the pleachers almost horizontal to the ground.
- Place stakes 18 inches apart to support the pleachers.
- Weave binders (usually hazel) along the top to secure the pleachers.
Finishing Touches
- Trim any excess growth to maintain the desired height.
- Ensure all brush is turned towards the side where the stock will be, to prevent them from escaping or damaging the hedge.
Conservation and Wildlife Benefits
Hedgelaying is not just about creating barriers; it’s also a crucial aspect of conservation and wildlife management.
Wildlife Trust:
Hedgerows are vital habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. By maintaining traditional hedgelaying practices, you are contributing to the conservation of these protected landscapes.
Quote:
Nigel Adams, a competitor in the Midland open class and NHLS spokesman, notes, “When we’ve finished, you’ll see that it is a living stockproof barrier. Before wire fences were invented, this is how we kept animals in and out of fields. All the brush is turned towards the side where the stock are, while in the old days the field on the clean side would go into a crop rotation”[1].
Engaging Young People in Hedgelaying
To ensure the continuation of this traditional skill, it’s essential to engage young people in hedgelaying.
Rural Skills:
Many organizations offer workshops and courses specifically designed for young people to learn rural skills, including hedgelaying. These programs not only teach practical skills but also foster an appreciation for nature and the importance of conservation.
Example:
Historic England often collaborates with local communities to organize hedgelaying events that involve young people. These events are a great way to pass on traditional knowledge and ensure the next generation is equipped to manage and conserve our outstanding natural landscapes[1].
Combating Climate Change
Hedgelaying plays a significant role in managing landscapes in the face of climate change.
Management Plan:
A well-maintained hedge can act as a natural barrier against extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds and floods. It also helps in soil conservation and can mitigate the effects of climate change by providing habitat for wildlife and supporting biodiversity.
Dry Stone and Hedgelaying:
Combining hedgelaying with other traditional skills like dry stone walling can create robust and sustainable landscapes that are better equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change.
Hedgelaying is a timeless skill that not only connects us with our past but also helps us build a more sustainable future. Whether you’re in the Midlands, Lancashire, Devon, or the Welsh borders, there’s a wealth of knowledge and tradition waiting to be discovered.
By learning and practicing hedgelaying, you’re not just laying a hedge; you’re contributing to the conservation of our natural beauty, supporting local wildlife, and preserving historic landscapes for generations to come.
So, grab your billhook and head out into the countryside. The world of hedgelaying is waiting for you, and with every stake and binder, you’ll be weaving a piece of history into the very fabric of our landscapes.