It’s almost that time of year again when enthusiastic hedgelayers show off their skills in the Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition.
This year is the 19th annual competition and will be held at Calbourne Mill on 26 February between 10am until 4pm.
It’s quite a large event that requires a great deal of organisation. The Isle of Wight Hedgerow Group are the main organisers with support from Landscape Therapy, Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust, the IW AONB Partnership and the Isle of Wight Council.
Matthew Chatfield, IW Council’s Parks and Countryside Manager will present prizes on the day, commenting on the annual competition he said, “Hedgerows seem like natural features of our countryside, but they are made and maintained by people. Even though they are often cut with machines these days, a good hedge can still be laid every 15 years or so. This keeps them protected from livestock, looking good and is a very effective way to encourage wildlife.
“It is vital that this traditional method of hedge management, involving the partial cutting of stems and laying them at an angle, continues. Besides being good farming practice it has great conservation and wildlife value. Without its network of ancient hedges the Island would be a much poorer place. Who would want a lot more barbed-wire fences?”
“The Island is fortunate in having a number of landowners keen to keep this ancient craft alive, and also a number of very talented hedgelayers. We hope they will be again taking part in this exciting annual contest.”
All welcome
As usual spectators are welcome to attend and can watch for free.
As well as watching the hedgelayers in action, there’ll be displays and hot refreshments.
Entry forms and further details can be obtained from the Isle of Wight Hedgelaying group website.
Location of the event
View Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition 2011 in a larger map
