Hedgelaying is a traditional countryside management practice that has been used for centuries to maintain and restore hedgerows, which are a vital part of the British countryside. Hedgerows are not only important for wildlife and biodiversity, but they also play a crucial role in the cultural heritage of the countryside. In this blog post, we will explore the many advantages of hedgelaying, from conservation and biodiversity benefits to the role it plays in maintaining cultural heritage and traditional rural skills.

One of the primary advantages of hedgelaying is its conservation and biodiversity benefits. Hedgerows provide essential habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, invertebrates, and reptiles. They act as corridors for movement, providing safe passage for animals to travel between different habitats, and are also important for nesting, breeding, and foraging. Hedgerows also help to protect against soil erosion and provide shelter for livestock.

Hedgelaying is a traditional countryside management practice that can be used to restore overgrown and neglected hedgerows, which may have become too dense and tall to provide suitable habitats for wildlife. By laying a hedge, it is possible to rejuvenate an old hedgerow, encouraging new growth and making it more suitable for wildlife. This can lead to increased biodiversity and a greater variety of species in the area.

Another advantage of hedgelaying is that it helps to maintain the cultural heritage of the countryside. Hedgerows have been a feature of the British landscape for centuries and are a vital part of the rural heritage. They are often associated with ancient boundaries, field systems, and traditional land use patterns. Hedgelaying helps to preserve and maintain these cultural landmarks, keeping alive traditional rural skills and crafts that have been passed down through generations.

Hedgelaying is also a great way to promote rural sustainability. The process involves cutting back overgrown hedgerows to a manageable height, and then weaving the remaining branches and stems together to form a denser and stronger hedge. This method of hedge maintenance is more sustainable than simply cutting back or removing hedgerows, as it allows the hedge to continue to grow, providing habitats and corridors for wildlife, while also providing a strong barrier for livestock.

Furthermore, Hedgelaying also can be beneficial for farmers and land owners. Hedges provide natural boundaries that help to define fields and farmland, and can be used to create shelter for livestock, thus improving their welfare. A well-maintained hedge can also be a valuable asset for farmers, providing a supply of wood for fencing, gates, and fuel. They can also provide a source of income for farmers as some of the wood from hedgelaying can be sold for use in landscaping or construction.

In conclusion, Hedgelaying is a traditional countryside management practice that has many advantages, from conservation and biodiversity benefits to the role it plays in maintaining cultural heritage and traditional rural skills. It helps to restore and rejuvenate overgrown hedgerows, making them more suitable for wildlife, while also promoting rural sustainability and supporting farmers and land owners. Hedgelaying is a simple, sustainable, and cost-effective way to maintain and restore the UK’s hedgerows, and it plays a vital role in the countryside’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Tom Stilwell has been hedgelaying in the South Downs for the past 20 years. Please call 07753 746 024 if you would like a consultation on a project.