NOTICE: the course tutor Clive is unwell and won’t be able to teach on this course. Please email friends@horsenden.co.uk if you’d like to know about rescheduled days

Learn the basics of hedgelaying at Perivale Woods. All are welcome! This course is being organised by Horsenden, and kindly hosted by the Selborne Society, at Perivale Woods.

Hedgelaying is a traditional rural craft with ancient roots. Originally used to create living fences with which to keep animals safe (and out of the crops), nowadays hedgerows are acknowledged as a vital part of the British natural landscape, important habitats that are home and food source for many small mammals and birds, and provide a whole host of benefits to the local wildlife.

Hedge laying is the way of using hand tools to cut close to the base of the small trees/large shrubs, creating a hinge that means it can be laid over; and the laid stems and their branches are woven together and held in place with hazel stakes and binders, creating a denser and stronger hedgerow.

Laying a hedge regenerates it, as new growth comes from the site of the cuts, and stimulates dormant buds to life. A hedge that has been recently laid erupts with fresh growth in the next growing seasons; providing flowers for the insects and berries and fruit for the birds and beasties.

These introductory courses are taught by Clive Leake, a nationally renown hedgelayer.

The courses are suitable for all people, from first timers who have never done anything like this before, to more experienced people who would like to gain more experience. The only requirement is to be confident moving about on uneven ground, and able to hold hand-held gardening tools.

Course tickets are at two price points: £85 full price, and £45 reduced rate for repeaters and anyone in need of a lower ticket price to be able to attend.
(please get in touch to ask if a bigger concession is needed, usually its not a problem)