Apr 15
Hedgelaying - Part Two
Posted by David Wilson
Back in February, on a sunny but frosty Valentine's Day, we held our latest hedgelaying competition, organised by the National Hedgelaying Society. It was a marvellous spectacle, with quite a bit of snow still on the ground, and about 40 competitors taking part, displaying several different styles, including Welsh, Midlands and South of England.
We had planted these particular hedges over 10 years ago and the laying signifies the final establishment of the hedge. So many traditional skills have been lost in many ways and running an event such as this helps to attract the younger generation by raising its profile in this way. We are always trying to improve traditional skills and crafts here at Home Farm and hedgelaying is such a great example of this.
HRH The Prince of Wales came and did a section of the hedge himself at this latest competition and he provided some of his damson gin for all those taking part! As well as many certificates and prizes being awarded throughout the day, it was topped off with a wonderful woodland lunch served with some of the award-winning Duchy Originals Ale which contains a barley, called Plumage Archer, which we grow here at Home Farm.
