Agriculture students learn the art of hedgelaying

The weather may have had a chill in the air last week, but it could not stop the Level 3 agriculture students getting stuck in to learning the craft in the Lancashire and Westmorland style.

After learning the skill over the last couple of weeks, the students are able to work independently and start to learn the task for real out on the college farm, as they further hone their skills over the coming weeks, as part of their wider study programme.

Hedgelaying is an ancient craft, but one that plays an essential role in sustainable countryside management.

A well-maintained hedge will keep better than a fence. They also provide shelter for livestock much better. It’s a lot better for the environment and a very green way of helping wildlife too.

Hedgelaying is a sustainable hedgerow management practice and ensures the hedgerow remains stockproof whilst offering shelter from wind and rain and maximising biodiversity benefit. It also significantly prolongs the life of the hedge.

In addition, there’s some good money to be made. It’s a great skill to have and contractors make a good living from it, with it being a genuinely lucrative career option for learners once they complete their course.