The Art of Hedgelaying: A Traditional Craft with Modern Conservation Benefits
Hedgelaying is a traditional practice that has been used for hundreds of years as a way to create secure field boundaries for livestock and to protect crop fields. There are many different regional styles of hedgelaying, each varying in technique depending on their purpose or place of origin.
How Does Hedgelaying Work?
The process involves cutting most of the way through the stem of each hedge plant at a steep angle, leaving a strip still attached to its roots. The plant, known as a “pleacher”, is then laid down at around 45 degrees. Because that living connection to the roots remains intact, the pleacher continues to carry sap and nutrients, supporting new upright growth both from the pleacher itself and from the stool at its base.
To reinforce the structure, stakes are inserted at regular intervals along the hedge, and binders, often willow or hazel, are wound between them to hold everything firmly in place.
Why Do We Do It?
At the reserve, hedgelaying is a key tool for improving habitat quality for small mammals and bird species such as wrens and yellowhammers. Laying a hedge thickens its base rather than allowing the trees to grow tall and sparse. The thick dense vegetation provides shelter and food for wildlife. It often also makes for a more effective wildlife corridor, enabling animals to move between different habitat areas across the landscape.
This year, our team has been laying the hedge at the back of Martin Car Park, between the car park and Lousted Close, continuing work that began with the hedge next to Rowan’s Wood back in 2023, where you can already see the impressive regrowth coming through.
The Hedge when first laid:
Now with impressive growth:
