The National Hedgelaying Society is the only charity dedicated to promoting and preserving the traditional craft of hedgelaying
Hedgerows are a defining feature of the British countryside, forming a distinctive patchwork landscape recognised around the world.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, hedgerows offer substantial environmental benefits. They capture carbon, serve as wildlife corridors, and are rich in biodiversity, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal species.
However, without careful management, hedgerows can deteriorate, develop gaps, and, like all living organisms, eventually decline. To maintain their health and longevity, they require attentive care and formal management.
One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through the traditional craft of hedgelaying. We welcome your curiosity to find out more.
Find out more
Support Us
The National Hedgelaying Society is a charity with no formal source of income.
We rely on membership subscription, donations and sponsorship.
We need your support to keep this craft, and our hedgerows, alive.
Become a MemberPhoto credit: Graham Teece
Find a hedgelayer
We have more than 130 registered hedgelaying contractors with The National Hedgelaying Society.
Our interactive map makes it easy to find and connect with a hedgelayer in your area.
Whether you need help with a small garden hedge or managing miles of farmland hedgerows, our skilled hedgelayers are ready to assist wherever possible.
Explore the mapNews
Midland Hedgelaying Training
Cotswold Hedgelaying Taster Day – Only three places left. 28/02/2026 08:30 – 03:30 £45 Ditchley Park Estate, Enstone OX7 4ER Working in pairs with a qualified and experienced hedge layer to supervise, this is a chance to “have a go” at laying a hedge in the Midland style. Tools and […]
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Radio 4 – Hedgerow Havens
BBC Radio 4’s Open Country, presented Martha Kearney, explores the British countryside, its people, wildlife and landscape. The NHLS Blackdown Hills Hedgelaying Association is featured in the Hedgerow Havens episode. This will air on Thurs 5th March at 3pm, repeated just after the 6am news on Sat 7th March, and […]
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Car Stickers
They are here! Our new accreditation and plain NHLS logo car stickers have arrived. Accreditation car stickers (bronze, silver and gold) – £3.50 each (These can only be ordered by accredited members by emailing office@hedgelaying.org.uk) NHLS logo car stickers – £2.50 each Post and packing for any amount of stickers […]
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Annual General Meeting 2026
May 9th 2026 – 10am – 3pm Little Compton Village Hall Pinchester Close Moreton in Marsh GL56 0SE We warmly invite all members, newcomers, and anyone interested in hedgelaying to attend our 2026 AGM. As you would expect from a charity AGM, the formalities such as voting for committee members […]
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National Championship 2026
For those of you who are keen to get the date in your diary, Saturday 10th October, 2026, is the date to pencil in. It had been anticipated that the competiton would be held annually in the first week of October, following on from the success last year, however, to […]
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Northumbrian Style
Across the country, it has often been said there are as many hedgelaying styles as there are hedgelayers! Hedgelaying styles have evolved, over the years, to suit the needs of localities, the geology of the landscape and the resources readily available locally. Some styles have become more popular and regularly […]
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