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MENDIP TIMES
The art of hedge laying
THERE are some wonderful heritage skills which shape our countryside. Amongst them is hedge laying. Before the introduction of With NICK mechanical hedge GREEN trimmers, a winter job for farm workers was to trim and lay the farm hedges. Hedges were trimmed annually and laid every ten years or so. Laying a hedge involves clearing the brambles and weedy growth out, cutting part way through the remaining plants and laying them on top of each other at an angle of about 35 degrees to the ground. By cutting only part way through, the plants can be bent into position and they stay alive. They are all laid in the same direction and should always point uphill. Stakes are driven into the ground at regular intervals to hold the
newly-laid hedge in place. The newly-laid hedge maintains a stockproof barrier, is great for the environment, provides food for wildlife and is valuable habitat for insects, birds and mammals. There are many regional styles of hedge laying with the one seen on Mendip being North Somerset style. The skill of hedge laying almost died out in the second half of the 20th century but some Mendip farmers involved in the Wrington and Burrington Hedging Society started giving lessons to teach the skill. The lessons have continued and at the culmination of the course, participants are invited to compete in the annual hedging match. The Wrington and Burrington Hedging Society was formed in 1832 and is one of the oldest hedging societies in the UK. The annual hedging match started when the vicars from three adjoining parishes argued their hedge layer was better than the
Wrington and Burrington's last match
others. It is assumed the three parishes were Wrington, Burrington and Blagdon. A competition was staged between the three hedgers and since then (with the exception of 2021 due to Covid) it has been held annually somewhere within the three parishes. This year’s match is being held at Hazel Manor Farm, Compton Martin on March 12th. It is a great day out and as well as watching the hedge layers in action there are plenty of refreshments available.
Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. He is responsible for the farming and estate business and is passionate about British food and farming. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.
Livestock to take centre stage
Sheep classes will return
PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
CATTLE, sheep and pig classes will be the centre of attention at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show in June, alongside equine classes, rural life exhibitions and popular family entertainment. Deputy head of shows, Jess Chiplen, said: “Livestock competitions, parades and equestrian classes are at the show’s heart and true to our traditions. “Although it bridges the gap between urban and rural life, it remains an agricultural show and captures farming’s past, present and sustainable future.” The show takes place from Thursday, June 2nd to Saturday, June 4th. One new development is the expansion of the showground’s Beadle Arboretum as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Project, courtesy of generous pledges from council members and society supporters.
