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
47th National Hedgelaying Championships
Preparations are underway for the 47th National Hedgelaying Championships, which will take place on Saturday 10th October 2026 in Chipping Norton. The Championships are the highlight of the hedgelaying calendar, bringing together over 100 of the country’s finest hedgelayers to compete across a range of classes. Throughout the day, competitors […]
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Free Hedgerow Colouring Sheet
Looking for a fun, free activity to keep children entertained for a few hours over the summer holidays? The National Hedgelaying Society has created a free hedgerow colouring sheet for children (and adults!) to download, print and enjoy. We hope it will encourage conversations about the wonders of hedgelaying and […]
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SFI26 Window 1 Now Open
The first application window for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) is now open, offering eligible farmers the opportunity to access funding for a range of environmental actions, including those that support hedgerow management and restoration. Who can apply? Window 1 is open to: Small farms Farms without an existing […]
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Hawthorne Sampling – Help Needed
Hawthorn is the backbone of UK hedgerows, making up around 70% of their structure, yet its resilience to pests, diseases, and climate change remains poorly understood. We need your help to look out for hawthorns in your local area that look healthy (asymptomatic) and those showing suspected symptoms of diseases […]
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Show Diary Dates 2026
Would you like the opportunity to learn more about hedgelaying direct from the people who lay hedges? Visit our prize winning show trailer at one of the following events and see some of the most popular styles as miniature bonsai hedges. Learn more from the detailed information posters which form […]
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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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