The Accreditation Process
The National Hedgelaying Society offers accreditation in the traditional craft of hedgelaying. A series of progressive, practical, Lantra approved assessments provide a three‐tier system of accreditation in hedgelaying. The scheme is designed to ensure that the highest standards of craftsmanship are maintained.
Skills are assessed against standard criteria in each style, to attain one of the three levels of accreditation;
- Bronze (competent)
- Silver (proficient)
- Gold (advanced)
Full details can be found in the Assessment Process Guide Book, below.
Assessment Days
At least one bronze assessment day will be offered in each of the ten hedgelaying styles per year, subject to a minimum number of three candidates. More assessments days will be offered if there is sufficient interest.
Silver and gold assessment days will be provided based on demand. Expressions of interest for additional bronze, silver or gold assements can be made by emailing: office@hedgelaying.org.uk You will be added to a waiting list and notified when a course date has been added.
All assessments will be advertised on the Events Page and can be filtered by selecting, ‘Assessment’, from the drop down menu. Details of how to apply will be linked to each event.
Cost
Cost, which includes Lantra registration and certificate in PDF format;
Bronze Assessment – £200
Silver – £250
Gold – £300
If you are not a member of the Hedgelaying Society, there will be an additional cost of £25 which will cover one year of membership to the society.
The Styles
We provide assessments in ten hedgelaying styles; Cheshire, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Midland, Lancs & Westmoreland, South of England, North Somerset, Welsh and Yorkshire
The style descriptions for assessment can be found here;
Mark Scheme
Each syle has it’s own mark scheme, based on the specifics of the style. Click to view;
NHLS Assessors
All assessments are carried out by NHLS accredited assessors who have undertaken training in the assessment process, safety standards and have proven skills in hedgelaying to at least Silver level.
A candidate cannot be assessed by the same person that trained them.
Click here to find an assessor