Teams and individuals are being invited to take part in a celebration of rural tradition at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet when it hosts the Autumn Isle of Wight Hedgelaying competition on 8th November 2025.
Organised by the rural charity Wight Nature Fund, it follows their inaugural hedgelaying event in February, which saw a number of teams demonstrate their craft in front of an estimated 150 spectators.
Free entry
Entry to the Wight Nature Fund Autumn Hedgelaying Competition is free to both competitors and spectators, with parking available at Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Havenstreet Station.
Each competitor will be expected to lay and secure a 10-metre length of hedge within the competition time limit.
Three categories
The competition will be divided into three categories; Open, Novice and Team, with additional trophies for the Best Hedge Laid by an Isle of Wight competitor, the Best Hedge laid with hand tools only and the Best Stakes and Binding used in a hedge.
Spectators are welcome on site at Havenstreet Station from 10am, and the station will be open for food and drink, while stands demonstrating traditional crafts and activities will be on site.
Support from Wightlink
Local businesses have provided prizes for winners, while cross-Solent ferry firm Wightlink are supporting the event, allowing greater involvement from mainland competitors.
Katy Taylor, Chief Executive of Wightlink, said,
“Wightlink is proud to support community events that celebrate the Island’s unique heritage and natural environment.
“The Hedgelaying Competition not only showcases traditional countryside skills, but also highlights the importance of caring for our landscapes and wildlife.”
Don’t miss the deadline
Entries to the Wight Nature Fund Hedgelaying Competition are now open and the closing date is Friday 7th November 2025.
Enter the competition by completing the online form.
Benefits of hedgelaying
The environmental benefits of hedgelaying were emphasised in a recent study, which revealed that carbon capture in hedgerows exceeded that of grassland by more the 40 tonnes per hectare, as well as providing an enhanced, safer habitats for birds, animals and insects and gives a more pleasing visual aspect than tractor-flailed hedge rows which have gradually degraded hedges across the Isle of Wight over the decades.
Trustee from Wight Nature Fund, Thomas Cowley, said,
“The benefits of hedgelaying are numerous and it complements the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.
“It is a fantastic day out, for both competitors and spectators who are interested in learning more about this vital rural craft!”
Find out more about the Wight Nature Fund by visiting the website.
News shared by Simon on behalf of Wight Nature Fund. Ed
