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Nature Conservation
Free Hedgelaying Workshops in the Eden Valley
Opportunity

Free Hedgelaying Workshops in the Eden Valley

Cumbria
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Info

Multiple dates are available, please only book onto one workshop per attendant:

20/01/26
27/01/26
05/02/26 - 06/01/26 (2 day)
25/02/26
10/03/26 - 11/03/26 (2 day)

Overview

Learn the practical skills needed to lay a hedge. We have received funding to run these workshops free of charge for you to attend, a free lunch is also provided.The workshops are aimed at those working, or hoping to work, in the farming, land management or conservation sectors. Tickets will be offered on a first come first serve basis, though priority will be given to those working, or hoping to work, in the above sectors. If you'd like to attend the workshop but don't work in any of these sectors, please get in touch by email - there may be other courses available that would be open to you. Please email Ozawa.wildlife@gmail.comThe training will be delivered by Lee Bassett, Lee has been hedgelaying since 2013 and is passionate about heritage landscape management crafts.

Witch Halse Coppice Crafts

Free Hedgelaying Workshops in the Eden Valley

Topics / skills covered during the workshops will include:

At a glance

  • An overview of hedgelaying, why laid hedges are an important feature of our landscape and the roles they play on farms for biodiversity, livestock and pollinators
  • How to create the hinge at the base of the ligger (stem) that will promote regeneration from the base of the hedge using hand tools (axes, billhooks and pruning saws).
  • How to lay a hedge in the Westmorland / Midland Bullock style that creates a bushy laid hedge, maintaining a linear habitat used by wildlife.
  • How to secure the laid hedge using stakes (and in some cases binders) to prevent the hedge being damaged by wind.
  • How to manage a hedge from planting to laying and post laying.
  • Please also let me know if you have an up to date chainsaw qualification (passed or refreshed within the last 3 years) as it may be possible for you to also learn the techniques required to lay a hedge with a chainsaw.
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