Hedgelaying: The Complete Guide to a Traditional Rural Craft

Hedgelaying: The Complete Guide to a Traditional Rural Craft

“Britain’s hedgerows are icons of the landscape. The art and skill of looking after these great green ribbons through hedgelaying can’t be underestimated – they are living histories, biodiversity highways and a crucial part of sustainable land management for the future. This book will help more people love and understand these treasures, and to learn how to protect, care and restore them”
Mary-Ann Ochota, President, CPRE, The Countryside Charity

Hedges are one of Great Britain’s most iconic landscape features. They are the stitching in the patchwork quilt of fields and meadows that defines the countryside. Hedgelaying first developed to form living stock-proof barriers, and has always been considered an art and a skill, taking something wild and unruly and giving it order, structure and perhaps even beauty. The book examines over 25 regional styles in England and Wales, introducing local experts who proudly explain their native style and offer a wealth of informed advice.

Hedgelaying: The Complete Guide to a Traditional Rural Craft, also includes:

• The history of hedgelaying and its benefits
• When to lay a hedge and the tools you will need
• A detailed step-by-step guide to laying a hedge
• How to manage a hedge after laying
• A guide to hedgerow species

With over 400 photographs and clear illustrations, it is ideal for newcomers and improvers alike, whilst also paying homage to the skilled hedgelayers of the past and present.

NIGEL ADAMS has worked in countryside management for over 45 years. A full-time hedgelayer and consultant, he pioneered the ‘lifecycle’ approach to hedge management, developing the now widely used Adams Scale and the concept of ‘incremental trimming’. He continues to teach, advise and compete in hedgelaying competitions across the UK.