Traditional Hedge-laying

A unique opportunity to spend two days developing your traditional hedge-laying skills with expert countryside craftsman Peter Drake.

You will learn the benefits and techniques of hedgerow management including singling and high pruning as well as laying. The principle aim is to give you as much ‘hands-on’ traditional hedge-laying experience as possible. The course will involve laying an established but newly planted hedge, never been laid before, mostly consisting of hazel, hawthorn and blackthorn, and filling in gaps with new tree saplings. We will be laying an approx 25-20 m hedge in the local Ceredigion style.

The hedge is a boundary hedge on a property just a mile or so from Denmark Farm. We will meet first at Denmark Farm to look at some different hedges, already laid and in different stages of development, around the nature reserve.

Peter will also cover health and safety and the basics of tool maintenance. All tools and equipment will be provided. Please come dressed for cold and wet weather and bring a packed lunch and a flask.