We spoke with David Whitaker, Secretary of the National Hedgelaying Society to find out about the important work of this organisation...

The aims of the National Hedge Laying Society (NHLS) are to promote a greater understanding and knowledge of the traditional craft of hedge laying, encourage the development of hedgerow management skills through training and competition and encourage the conservation and positive management of hedgerows.

It is dedicated to keeping alive the skills and craftsmanship traditionally used in the conservation of hedgerows. These skills have been used for hundreds if not thousands of years.

Hedgerows are a quintessential part of the British Countryside, recognised worldwide as a feature of our heritage. It is essential that these heritage features are correctly maintained for the benefit of future generations. It is important not only for Cumbria but for the whole country that the skill is kept alive. Hedgelaying is very environmentally friendly and, if well laid, makes a really good boundary.

Hedgerows are an essential habitat for much of the wildlife in the UK. To maintain this habitat in good condition, especially for some of our endangered species, it is essential that the hedges are maintained to a high standard. Mechanical hedge flailing will, in the longer term, be detrimental to the hedge as a wildlife habitat. All our ancient hedges that remain have in the past been laid and have survived for that reason.

The tradition of hedge laying has been known for many hundreds of years. There is archaeological evidence that it may date back to at least 2,000 BC. The hedge laying carried out today would be instantly recognised by our ancestors; the only thing which has changed is that for commercial purposes we used powered saws (chainsaws), although the hand tools used are the same design as those used centuries ago.

The National Hedge Laying Society provides grants and organises training (particularly for young people) to encourage them to take up the skill and pursue it either as part of a profession or as a volunteer with one of the many conservation groups throughout the country.

Many of our members give their time freely to work with volunteering and conservation groups throughout the UK.

The society attends many agricultural and country shows where we hold exhibitions to provide the public with information and educational demonstrations and literature to help them understand the need for this important form of conservation. We also work with a number of agricultural colleges to ensure that the country’s future farmers understand and appreciate the need for managing hedgerows correctly.

Also, in order to maintain the standards of skill and craftsmanship we encourage and support many of the local hedge laying competitions which are run throughout the country. In addition, we run each year a “National Championship” in which competitors from all over the UK compete for the coveted title of National Champion.

Trying to encourage the younger generation to take on the skill is a real issue. Unfortunately, the average age of hedge layers is increasing year on year.

As with all heritage skills, we need to promote them to the next generation in any way that we can to engage with them and highlight the importance of maintaining the knowledge.