Using hand tools, such as billhooks and axes, meant that hedges were laid bit by bit each year, which compliments their growing cycle. Hedgelaying resets this cycle to encourage new growth from the base and prevents the hedgerow from turning into a line of trees.

If well managed, a hedge should be laid within its first ten years of growth and then again, every fifty years or so. Now, with more modern machinery, such as chainsaws, it is easier to lay longer stretches of hedge each season, however, it is recommended that this is no more than 5% of its total length. This is because laying a hedge can temporarily reduce available habitat for wildlife.

How to lay a hedge

To lay a hedge, the main stems are partially cut, or pleached, in a diagonal fashion near the base. This allows the plant to bend over horizontally whilst still being attached to the main stem. This encourages regrowth from the cuts which now lie at the base of the hedge.

As the plants will now be fragile until regrowth occurs, wooden stakes are inserted into the middle of the hedge to offer stability. Binders, often cut from willow or hazel, are then woven in and out of the stakes to help to secure everything in place. Eventually the stakes and binders will naturally break down into the hedgerow.

As a traditional skill, different styles of hedgelaying developed in different areas. Sometimes the differences are aesthetic, such as how the binders are weaved in, and sometimes they are practical, such as how the stakes are placed to make it more suitable to either cattle or sheep.

The Hedgerow Heritage project

As part of the project, we’ve been hedgelaying throughout the winter month at three of our partner sites: Tyting Farm, Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground, and Chantry Wood.

Here are some examples of our work so far: