Hedge Laying Is An Ancient Art, Designed To Ensure Hedges Grow Dense And Able To Give Stock And Crops Shelter, A Home For Many Beneficial Insects To Protect Crops And Prevent Cattle And Sheep From Roaming.
Table of Contents
The Art of The Hedge Layer
There is an art and much skill in what the hedge layer makes look an easy task. First the brash needs removing, then the dead and surplus;us growth needs removing. Then the stems are laid by cutting just deeply enough to bend them from near soil level, but not cut too deeply that the sever or have insufficient ability to keep the laid material from growing. Then it all needs tying together keep it neat and stockproof.
Hedge laying is an autumn or winter job, after the harvest is safely gathered in. A job where the effort of the work and the subsequent bonfires keep the hedge layers warm.
It’s been years since I took a slasher, billhook and axe to a hedge, but it is a skill never forgotten and easily revived. Sadly however, it is labour intensive and was fast overtaken by the tractor mounted finger bar type hedge cutter, then by the later flail machine.
Too often flail machines leave a hedge looking ragged and hacked about. Though, used properly this needn’t be the case and some hedges actually benefit from flailing, those that don’t understand the process will disagree. The fact is however that the flail is here to stay as the cost of hedge laying, though it’s only needed every 20 years, is too expensive unless undertaken by unpaid volunteers.
How to Lay a Hedge: The Video
The video was made in 1942 by the Realist Film Unit for the Ministry of Agriculture. Filmed in Northamptonshire the hedger practises his craft and teaches a Land Army girl how to lay a hedge.
It’s very much how to lay a hedge for beginners
As well as teaching how to lay a hedge the film is a gentle reminder of how the government used promotional films to educate people during wartime. And is typical of the form of words and style used in those days. It was before my time but is still a film that evokes nostalgia as my family had farmed for years and hedge laying is in our blood.
How To Restore A Hedge. Video Highlights
Hedges are crucial for livestock management, providing shade and windbreaks.
Proper tools like slashers and bill hooks are essential for effective hedge restoration.
Autumn is the best time for layering when sap has ceased to rise.
Layers should be bent down to encourage growth and protect young shoots from cattle.
Stakes and binders are needed to secure the layered branches.
Regular trimming helps maintain a healthy, bushy hedge structure.
Trimmings can be repurposed into ash for the fields, promoting sustainability.
Restoring Hedges: The Details and Key Insights
Importance of Hedges. Hedges serve multiple functions, including livestock containment and environmental benefits, highlighting their role in traditional farming. They still have a place today, as windbreaks, shelter belts, environmental habitats etc.
Tool Mastery. Knowledge and proper use of tools are critical. Each tool serves a specific purpose that contributes to the overall effectiveness of hedge restoration. Keeping them sharp is key to success and safety.
Seasonal Timing. The timing of hedge work is significant; autumn allows for better visibility and ease of layering as sap flow decreases.
Growth Techniques. The method of bending branches downwards is essential for promoting healthy regrowth and resilience against cattle. Badly cut hedges soon die back and fail.
Staking and Binding. The use of stakes and binders is vital to ensure the structural integrity of the new layers, preventing collapse and ensuring growth.
Trimming Practices. Regular maintenance through trimming is necessary to keep hedges robust and prevent them from growing into trees, ensuring they remain effective. This is where a flail and traditional practice can work together. Provided it was carefully managed.
Sustainability. Utilising hedge trimmings for ash is said in the video to enrich the soil and showcases a sustainable farming practice that benefits both the land and the farmer. I suspect the practice is however much overrated as the ash would need careful and even spreading to do most good. That rarely happens.
Image attribution: Bob Harvey / Modern hedgelaying
What a great film!! The pipe!! Great share, thanks
Clearly laying a hedge needs a pipe!