Hedge laying is a traditional method of hedge management and has been practised for hundreds of years. It involves cutting nearly all the way through the base of the stems and laying them over at an angle of about 35 degrees.

The cut stems, called pleachers, are tucked tightly together and staked vertically and bound horizontally for strength to produce a strong hedge. The hedge layer uses a fearsome array of axes and billhooks and normally stakes and binds the hedge with hazel.

Driving in hazel stakes

Hedge Laying Courses

During the winter months there are weekend Hedgelaying Courses.

These are run by Ray Sykes and/or Senior Warden Martyn Aspinall, who have many years' experience in teaching this craft. For details please see the Events page. These courses are often oversubscribed so booking is essential..

 

A "living fence" at Lyndon

In the Autumn of 2006 a 'living fence' was constructed at the end of the Lyndon car-park. In addition to the hurdle-type fence, live coppiced willow was incorporated and this will eventually grow producing a 'living fence' which we can trim and style over the years.

Paul Stammers finishes off a section of the fence