Farming Nick Green

The art of hedge laying

THERE are some wonderful heritage skills which shape our countryside. Amongst them is hedge laying. Before the With NICK GREEN introduction of mechanical hedge 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

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.

Tractor show raises thousands for charity

A 65-YEAR-OLDtractor owned by a couple from Oxfordshire was named best in show at the Somerset Classic and Vintage Tractor Show at Shepton Mallet.

Bought as a chassis and boxes of bits from Powys in 2013, Trevor Fowler, of Witney, spent 18 months restoring the 1957 McCormick International Harvester. It is complete with transport box, milking machines and milk churns.

The return of the show after the pandemic had been keenly awaited by enthusiasts and organisers said it was the busiest they had ever known.

Earlier, they had held a minute’s silence in memory of countryside enthusiast and exhibitor Mike Brockway, of Coleford, who had died just a few weeks earlier. Mike regularly took along his Fordson Super Major two-engined Triple Doe D tractor, one of the most unorthodox tractors ever built. Mike was also a regular sight in his Bristol car.

The two-day show at the Royal Bath and West Showground raised £11,000 for local charities and organisations. The Dorset and Somerset Ambulance received £3,000, and Brainwave, MIND and Somerset and Dorset Animal Welfare £2,000 each.

Hot Rock Carnival Club and Smandys Carnival Club received £1,500 and £500 respectively for marshalling and other duties. l Mike Brockway’s friends will scatter his ashes and celebrate his life on February 26th, 11.30am at his home, The Cottage, Stockhill, Coleford.

Trevor and Wendy Fowler with their award-winning tractor

One of the most unusual machines on show

Nick Bryne, who lives near Ditcheat and is a former show organiser, with his Fordson tractor The auction by HJ Pugh attracted hundreds of lots and an equal number of potential bidders

North Somerset Show preparations are underway

ORGANISERShave begun preparing for the 162nd North Somerset Show on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2nd. Entries are now being invited for the annual event at the agricultural showground in Wraxall, just outside Bristol.

Bumper entries are expected for the exciting show which puts the region’s agricultural expertise on display, providing a spectacular day of entertainment for all.

Show secretary, Tim Ledbury, said: “Planning is well on the way and we are inviting those who rear livestock, produce food, are involved in the equestrian world or follow countryside pursuits to come forward and join in the fun.

“There are prizes to be won, but more importantly this is a chance to show off the best of British agriculture in this region and to celebrate the countryside and the people who work in it.

“Agriculture is especially important in this part of Somerset and the show gives farmers, traders and visitors the chance to celebrate the very best of our countryside. Following the last two years I am hopeful that the public just want to get out and enjoy a day in country.”

As well as farmers and producers, local firms wishing to sponsor a category or showcase their products are urged to go on the website and register their interest.

The one-day show has been a highlight of the countryside calendar in North Somerset since 1840 when a small group of farmers formed the North Somerset Agricultural Society, having previously got together for ploughing competitions.

The livestock classes will feature cattle, pigs, sheep, llamas and alpacas coming from all over the South West. The equestrian programme, includes show jumping, Royal International Horse Show qualifiers, heavy horses, hunters, Shetland ponies and more.

Arena events are being finalised with a full day’s programme for all the family. Early bird tickets are on sale and are priced at Adult (16+) £17, Child £7 and Family (two adults and two children (4-15) £42.

Grand Parade of livestock in 2019

Details: www.nsas.org.uk 01934 837283

Hope and Charity in the auction ring

A 22-month-old Angus heifer called Hope and a 12-month-old Hereford heifer called Charity have helped raise more than £20,000 for Cancer Research at the second Candlemas Auction at Frome Livestock Centre at Standerwick.

Hope alone raised £5,200 for the charity after it was twice bought then resold, the first time by Nick Hill on behalf of Frome Livestock Auctioneers for £2,100, resold for £1,600 to

Hope in the auction ring Martin Hemmett presents a cheque on behalf of the Frome Fatstock Society to Katie Ferrett watched by (l:r) Nick Hill, Mark and Nicola Ferrett and Katie’s partner Josh Howden

Graham Bach and finally, for £1,500, to Martin Burrough. Charity was sold for £950 to Luke Stacey.

Hope was donated by Katie and Nicola Ferrett as part of Katie’s fundraising efforts for the cancer charity after her uncle Robbie was diagnosed with cancer. Robbie is the brother of Mark Ferrett, one of the fieldsmen at the livestock centre. The other animal was donated by Tom Comley. The auctioneer was Trevor Rowland.

Martin Hemmett, from FLA, said: “Everyone here has been trying to do as much as possible to support Mark and his family and the farmers here have been fantastic also.”

The sale was also poignant for the team at FLA as auctioneer Michael Joyce died recently from cancer.

the annual Great Candlemas sales took place on the 4th and 11th of February.

The sale ring was lively and packed full of buyers from all corners of the UK, looking to purchase the topquality stock on offer. It included several consignments of well-bred suckled calves, with strong Angus, Hereford and Native Bred store cattle also on offer, a super show of out-wintered hardy cattle with prices soaring to peak at £1710 for the very best forward stores.

On Friday 11th February we held a charity auction in aid of Cancer Research UK. A 20-month-old Aberdeen Angus x Heifer, donated by “Cowleaze Farm” sold for a total of £5200! It was followed by a Hereford Heifer kindly donated by Tom Comley selling to £950.

If you would you like a visit from your local fieldsman, please call tom Rogers 07384 462288 Charity Auction in Aid of Cancer Research UK:

“Hope” sold for £2100 to Frome Livestock Auctioneers, reoffered, sold for £1600 to Graham Bach, reoffered, sold for £1500 to Martin Burrough. Hope’s totAL= £5200! In total, more than £20,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK and we would like to thank everyone that contributed.

Frome Livestock Market, standerwick, Frome, somerset, BA11 2QB tel 01373 830033 email: info@fromelivestock.com Website: http://www.fromelivestock.com/

Bushcraft book as couple expand into rural crafts

NICKand Louise Goldsmith’s Hidden Valley Bushcraft, based in woods at Pensford, has been flat out for the last two years welcoming key workers affected by the pandemic, as well as service veterans.

Their Woodland Warrior bushcraft courses featured recently on a BBC We Are England programme about mental health.

Nick has also found time to write a book, ReWild Your Mind, on the value of spending time in the outdoors, particularly for those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder.

Now they are adding a new string to their bow, with rural skills courses for veterans. Hedging champion, Colin Clutterbuck, from Stanton Drew, hosted one of the first, on hedge laying.

A local police officer turned bee keeper is offering to run courses on beekeeping. Farmer Johnny Alvis has been helping to create raised beds for a vegetable garden.

Nick, a former Royal Marine commando who suffers from PTSD himself, said: “The gardening courses will be run by Matt Price. He came to us five years’ ago and went on to set up his own business, Matt’s Plot. He’s going to show other veterans how to get into gardening.” It’s the kind of success story that has earned them a national reputation, with 140 veterans booked on courses this year. They have also seen 200 key workers during the course of the pandemic. Funding for

the veterans comes mainly from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund, but funding for key workers is drying up. After the BBC programme, which included a doctor and Nick and Louise Goldsmith ambulance control operator talking about the pressure of the pandemic, as well as veterans, they received an influx of referrals into the programme. Louise said: “The veterans’ courses are funded for the next two years, but we need help to support those for key workers, perhaps a commercial sponsor.” She works full-time marking exams, looking after the administration of the bushcraft business in the evenings and at weekends. The couple’s son, Finn, will be three in April. Nick also makes short videos, including one recently on Seasonal Affective Disorder, and they have 55,000 subscribers on their YouTube channel. He hopes the book will be published later in the year. Publisher, Welbeck Publishing Group, say: “ReWild Your Mind is a practical guide that will help readers to connect with nature to become happier, healthier and more at peace with the world.”

Nick (front right) while filming for the BBC

The hedging course