We have planted many miles of new hedges in recent years (and will continue to plant more) but we of course have many old hedgerows too, some that are officially classified as ‘ancient’. Eventually all well managed hedgerows become ‘leggy’ and hollow at the bottom or, at the other extreme, they can become too tall and overgrown.

Eventually every hedge needs to be rejuvenated from the base and hedge laying is one of the best and most traditional ways of doing this. A laid hedge provides a stock proof barrier and a dense habitat for wildlife but most importantly it encourages new growth that starts a new life cycle of the hedge.

However, hedge laying is a traditional country skill that has been largely lost to the modern generation – it is also hard work! So we are truly grateful to Sarah Hughes, our local wildlife Officer and advisor, and her fantastic band of volunteers for giving up their time and energy this winter to produce some stunningly rejuvenated hedgerows.