This winter hedges have been the focus of much of our work with regular work parties at Gaythorne Hall to plant 2.5km of hedgerows. Last week our focus turned to the ancient heritage skill of hedge laying.

It’s a skill rapidly disappearing from our countryside as tractors and hedge trimmers replace skilled dykers (hedge layers). By managing a hedge by ‘laying’, trees are encouraged to regenerate; this extends their life, and that of the hedge as a whole. A well-laid hedge can act as great barrier to livestock movement and also protection and shelter from the worst of winter weather. Hedges can also help prevent soil erosion, capture pollutants, and allow wildlife to move more freely across the countryside within these fabulous wildlife corridors.

Under the expert tuition of Stephen Lord and John Nicholson, volunteers got a taste of the basics. They tackled a 55m length of hedgerow, planted about 15 years ago. Using hand saws and billhooks the top of the stems are thinned a little and freed from the other stems. Hand saws created the cut approximately two thirds through the stems. Using a little pressure the stem is pulled gently towards the hedge which is layed uphill whilst a billhook is wedged into the hinge and levered down.

The project hopes to increase heritage skills, biodiversity, create a larger network of wildlife corridors, increase carbon storage, as well as increasing the number of field parcels. Gaythorne manager, Jim Beary, wants to change how the land can be managed, and by planting hedgerows and hedgelaying he will be able to carry out rotational grazing known as ‘mob’ or regenerative grazing. This is part of a larger project that has received a FIPL (Farming in Protected Landscape) grant.

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Volunteer opportunity: We have a few remaining hedge planting work parties this year. To book a place and for further information visit the events section of our website>

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