Professional and amateur hedge layers from across the country will be testing their skills as they come together at Friends of the Lake District’s Annual Hedge-laying Competition on Saturday 3rd February. 

Friends of the Lake District organiser Kay Andrews said: ‘This event brings together some of the most skilled and experienced hedge-layers with novices who are looking to learn and improve their technique. This year it’s an all-style competition, not just the Westmorland and Lancashire style so it will make for great spectating to see the different techniques. The competition is a great event to not only showcase this incredible heritage skill but to encourage others to learn and carry on this vital work, while raising the profile of the importance of hedgerows.” 

The competition runs from 9am to 3pm, on Saturday 3rd February, taking place on Low Sizergh Farm land, beside the Nannypie Lane layby, near the Strickland Arms Pub, Kendal. 
The exact location can be seen at the What3Words link: https://w3w.co/crispier.averts.list

The competition makes an interesting spectator sport and everyone is very welcome to come along and watch this ancient skill in action, creating beautiful living structures which absorb carbon from the air, water from the ground, and provide food and shelter for wildlife. 

To find out more or book a place on the competition go to friends of the lake district website: https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/Event/hedge-laying-competition-2024