Taught by Clive Leeke, a nationally renowned hedgelayer, you will learn this ancient craft in good company, in a beautiful London location.

Horsenden Farm is a rural oasis that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, while being a short tube ride to central London. At Horsenden we have a proud history of keeping rural crafts alive and employing traditional methods to manage the woodlands and the farm. Horse logging, coppicing, greenwood working, hazel weaving and hedge laying are among many rural skills practiced here – crafts that were practiced by our ancestors yet are still relevant today, and that satisfy the senses so much more than modern mechanical methods.

What is hedge laying?

Hedge laying is a centuries old traditional craft: hedges are a natural feature of our countryside providing an effective boundary as well as a wildlife habitat. Laying a hedge helps rejuvenate an ageing hedge by encouraging it to put on new growth and helps to improve its structure and strength.

What will I learn?

The course will cover:

– Assessing the hedge
– Choice of style
– Tools and sharpening, including health and safety
– Lay your own section of hedge: pleaching, staking & binding
– Aftercare
– Questions and answers

Clive teaches mostly South of England style on the Horsenden courses, with brash on both sides of the hedge, and including Midlands style elements when appropriate for the particular hedge.

Any questions, get in touch at friends@horsenden.co.uk