NHLS Events

Hedges and Hurdles – Introduction to Hedgelaying

• 15/11/2025
• 09:00 - 16:00
• £285 (+VAT)

This two-day Introduction To Hedgelaying Course is designed for complete novices or for those wishing to improve their hedgelaying skills. We will be cutting in the South of England Style.

Details about the course, and options for children to attend, are included on our website via the link.

Day 1 - Coppicing and preparation of materials for the hedge (Norbury Park, Fetcham, Surrey)
Day 2 - Hedgelaying (Reigate, Surrey)

Tutor Paul Matthews is Lantra Accredited at the Gold level standard.

Hedgelaying Training Day – Lancs and Westmoreland

• 15/11/2025
• 09:30 - 16:00
• £20

Want to learn how to lay hedges correctly? Skilled hedge laying trainer Peter Gibson and Andrew Kirkwood will be providing training on Saturday 15th November 2025.

This ancient heritage skill is rapidly disappearing from our countryside. By managing a hedge by ‘laying’, trees are encouraged to regenerate; this extends their life, and that of the hedge as a whole. A well-laid hedge can act as a great barrier to livestock movement as well as providing protection and shelter from the worst of winter weather. Hedgerows also form a vital network for wildlife, sequester carbon and help prevent flooding.

Training will suit complete beginners or those wanting to improve on their existing hedge laying skills and is particularly suitable for farmers, contractors, land managers and conservation volunteers.

Wear thorn proof clothing, sturdy footwear and bring your own lunch/refreshments. Tools will be provided, but if you have your own Billock or Axe you’d normally use then bring it with you.

Any young people under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Barkin House Farm, Gateback (just off B6254 after Old Hutton)  LA8 0HX.

Booking essential to secure your place. Tickets cost £20 per person. Please follow the link to the Friends of the Lake District website to book on.

Hedgelaying Training Day

• 22/11/2025
• 09:15 - 16:30
• ££35 for DRST Members (£45 for non-members)

Devon Rural Skills Trust (DRST) Devon Style Hedgelaying Course for Intermediate standard hedgelayers looking to improve their skills.

Training/Practice Day at Arnside & Silverdale

• 22/11/2025
• 09:30 - 16:00
• £20

For Beginners and those who want further practice.
Packed lunch required.
Toilet provided.
Must be LWHLA member.
Contact dougie@arnside-silverdale.org.uk

SEHLS Training Day 2

• 22/11/2025
• 08:00 - 15:00
• £200

2nd training day, as part of the 4 day programme which runs from October 2025 - January 2026.
This is a well established training programme that takes trainees, that have never picked up a billhook through practical hedge laying techniques in the South of England Style.
Trainees have to join the South of England Hedge Laying Society (£15) and pay a training fee £200 to attend the 4 day programme.
Existing Society members are welcome to attend to cut a cant.
Email Mark Schofield - sehlsmembership@gmail.com

Training and Practice Day

• 22/11/2025
• 09:30 - 16:00
• £20

A training day for beginners or a refresher for those who have already attending a training day.
Space for those who want to practice.
Bring your own lunch. Toilets provided.
£10 membership of LWHLA if not already a member.
Contact - dougie@arnside-silverdale.org.uk

Hedgelaying Competition in Somerset

• 29/11/2025
• 09:00 - 15:00
• £FREE

This event has been postponed until 21/3/2026

Competition at Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape

• 29/11/2025
• 09:00 - 15:00
• £FREE for members

Hot lunch included.
Toilet provided.
Prizes.
Cutting Fee for all.
Contact: dougie@arnside-silverdale.org.uk

Lancs and Westmorland Competition

• 29/11/2025
• £FREE

Competition organised by Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape.
Classes - Beginners, Intermediate, Open, Pairs.
1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes in each class.
Best Hedge on the Day, cutting fee for all.
Hot lunch included, toilet provided.
£10 membership of LWHLA if not already a member.
Contact - dougie@arnside-silverdale.org.uk

Hedgelaying Workshop

• 29/11/2025
• 09:00 - 15:00
• £Contact the wildcroft

Introduction to hedgelaying on a woodland croft, covering the history of hedgelaying and its different styles, the tools used and tuition in the techniques required to make a good laid hedge in the Yorkshire style.

Hedgelaying Training

• 06/12/2025
• 09:00 - 16:00
• £50 per person

A "hands-on" day teaching hedgelaying in the Devon style. For more information see the BHHA web page

Hedgelaying Training

• 06/12/2025
• 09:30 - 16:00
• £20

Want to learn how to lay hedges correctly?

Hedge Laying Training Day (Intermediate Level) with HLS champion trainers Peter Gibson and John Handley, with our Hedges and Edges Nature Recovery Project.

This ancient heritage skill is rapidly disappearing from our countryside. By managing a hedge by ‘laying’, trees are encouraged to regenerate; this extends their life, and that of the hedge as a whole. A well-laid hedge can act as a great barrier to livestock movement as well as providing protection and shelter from the worst of winter weather. Hedgerows also form a vital network for wildlife, sequester carbon, help prevent flooding as well as making the field stock proof for the farmer.

Training will suit those who have previous experience hedge laying and want to improve their skills. The hedge we will be working on has been laid before, so this session will focus on decision making when faced with a more complex hedge and use of chainsaws. Please make sure to bring your NPTC Level 2 Award in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting (CS30) license with you.

Wear thorn proof clothing, sturdy footwear and bring your own lunch. Drinks and cakes will be provided as well.
Tools will be provided, but if you have your own billhook or axe you’d normally use then bring it with you.

Booking essential to secure your place.

Location:

Please use the what3words address to navigate rather than the street address, as we will be parking in the field. If it's too wet to park in the field we will contact you with an alternate location, likely to be the farm yard. If you have trouble finding us on the day please email naomi.walker@fld.org.uk.

Lockbank Farm/Howgill Lane, Sedbergh LA10 5HE

The what3words address for parking is: ///scooters.number.blasted

This is event is part of our Hedgerow Heroes project.

SEHLS Training Day 3

• 06/12/2025
• 08:00 - 15:00
• £200

3rd training day, as part of the 4 day programme which runs from October 2025 - January 2026.
This is a well established training programme that takes trainees, that have never picked up a billhook through practical hedge laying techniques in the South of England Style.
Trainees have to join the South of England Hedge Laying Society (£15) and pay a training fee £200 to attend the full 4 day programme.
Existing Society members are welcome to attend to cut a cant.
Email Mark Schofield - sehlsmembership@gmail.com

Hedgelaying Workshop

• 13/12/2025
• 09:00 - 15:00
• £80

A full days practical workshop discussing all aspects of hedgelaying, its history, the different styes and its application in the modern world. You will learn about the tools involved and will complete about 6m of laid hedge, in Yorkshire style, by the end of the day. All tools provided. Contact Torquil Varty 07803 903203

Hedgelaying Training Day

• 13/12/2025
• 09:15 - 16:30
• ££35 for DRST Members (£45 for non-members)

Devon Rural Skills Trust (DRST) North Somerset Style Hedgelaying Course

Hedges and Hurdles – Introduction to Hedgelaying

• 13/12/2025
• 09:00 - 16:00

This two-day Introduction To Hedgelaying Course is designed for complete novices or for those wishing to improve their hedgelaying skills. We will be cutting in the South of England Style.

Details about the course are included on our website via the external event page link below.

Day 1 - Coppicing and preparation of materials for the hedge (Norbury Park, Fetcham, Surrey)
Day 2 - Hedgelaying (Reigate, Surrey)

Tutor Paul Matthews is Lantra Accredited at the Gold level standard.

Hedgelaying Workshop

• 10/01/2026
• 09:00 - 15:00
• £Contact Balcaskie Estate

A full days practical workshop discussing all aspects of hedgelaying, its history, the different styes and its application in the modern world. You will learn about the tools involved and will complete about 6m of laid hedge, in Yorkshire style, by the end of the day. All tools provided. Contact Torquil Varty 07803 903203 of Balcaskie Estate

SEHLS Improver’s Day

• 10/01/2026
• 08:00 - 15:00
• £FREE

An informal opportunity for trainees who have completed 3 days training to practice their Hedge Laying Skills with supervision from experienced hedge layers. An award is made to the most improved cutter or pair of cutters.
Existing SEHL Society members are welcome to attend to cut a cant.
Open to SEHLS members.
Email Mark Schofield - sehlsmembership@gmail.com

Hedgelaying Training

• 10/01/2026
• 09:00 - 16:00
• £50 per person

A "hands-on" day teaching hedgelaying in the Devon style. For more information see the BHHA web page

Hedges and Hurdles – Introduction to Hedgelaying

• 10/01/2026
• 09:00 - 16:00

This two-day Introduction To Hedgelaying Course is designed for complete novices or for those wishing to improve their hedgelaying skills. We will be cutting in the South of England Style.

Details about the course are included on our website via the external event page link below.

Day 1 - Coppicing and preparation of materials for the hedge (Norbury Park, Fetcham, Surrey)
Day 2 - Hedgelaying (Reigate, Surrey)

Tutor Paul Matthews is Lantra Accredited at the Gold level standard.

Hedgelaying Training Day

• 24/01/2026
• 09:15 - 16:30
• ££35 for DRST Members (£45 for non-members)

Devon Rural Skills Trust (DRST) Devon Style Hedgelaying Course

SEHLS – President v Chairman Team Competition

• 31/01/2026
• 08:00 - 15:00
• £FREE

An informal and social competition which mixes up novice and experienced cutters into 2 teams. Open to existing SEHL Society members and novice cutters who have attended at least 3 SEHL Society training days.
Email Mark Schofield - sehlsmembership@gmail.com

Hedgelaying Workshop

• 07/02/2026
• 09:00 - 15:00
• £80

A full days practical workshop covering the history of hedgelaying and its different styles, a look at the tools used and a discussion of its application in modern farming. You will lay about 6m of hedge with all tools provided, in Yorkshire style. Contact Torquil Varty 07803903203 for more details.

Hedgelaying Training at Gowbarrow Hall Farm

• 07/02/2026
• 09:30 - 16:00
• £20

Want to learn how to lay hedges correctly?

Hedge Laying Training Day (Initial Level) with Trainers Peter Gibson and Andrew Kirkwood, with our Hedges and Edges Nature Recovery Project.

This ancient heritage skill is rapidly disappearing from our countryside. By managing a hedge by ‘laying’, trees are encouraged to regenerate; this extends their life, and that of the hedge as a whole. A well-laid hedge can act as a great barrier to livestock movement as well as providing protection and shelter from the worst of winter weather. Hedgerows also form a vital network for wildlife, sequester carbon, help prevent flooding as well as making the field stock proof for the farmer.

Training will suit complete beginners or those wanting to improve on their existing hedge laying skills.

Wear thorn proof clothing, sturdy footwear and bring your own lunch. Drinks and cakes will be provided as well.
Tools will be provided, but if you have your own billhook or axe you’d normally use then bring it with you.

Booking essential to secure your place.

Location: Gowbarrow Hall Farm, Watermillock, CA11 0JP. The what3words address is: ///possible.simply.sway

Please use the what3words address to navigate rather than the street address, the farm is down a lane that isn't recognised by google maps. If you have trouble finding us on the day please email naomi.walker@fld.org.uk.

Hedgelaying Training

• 07/02/2026
• 09:00 - 16:00
• £50 per person

A "hands-on" day teaching hedgelaying in the Devon style. For more information see the BHHA web page

Hedges and Hurdles – Introduction to Hedgelaying

• 07/02/2026
• 09:00 - 16:00

This two-day Introduction To Hedgelaying Course is designed for complete novices or for those wishing to improve their hedgelaying skills. We will be cutting in the South of England Style.

Details about the course are included on our website via the external event page link below.

Day 1 - Coppicing and preparation of materials for the hedge (Norbury Park, Fetcham, Surrey)
Day 2 - Hedgelaying (Reigate, Surrey)

Tutor Paul Matthews is Lantra Accredited at the Gold level standard.

SEHLS Annual Competition

• 21/02/2026
• 08:00 - 15:00
• £FREE

A friendly competition with 6 classes including novice pairs, pairs, intermediate, veterans, seniors and champions.
Only open to existing members and novice cutters have to have completed a minimum of 3 SEHL Society training days.
Prize giving lunch afterwards at a local pub.
Email Mark Schofield - sehlsmembership@gmail.com

Friends of the Lake District Hedgelaying Competition 2026

• 21/02/2026
• 09:00 - 15:00
• £FREE

Come and join us for this years hedgelaying competition, which is being held at Gowbarrow Hall Farm above the beautiful Ullswater lake.

"This event brings together some of the most skilled and experienced hedgelayers, along with novices and beginners who are looking to learn and improve their technique. This year we’re also running a training day a couple of weeks before the competition. Running the competition and training events helps improve skill levels, attracts more people into hedge laying and raises awareness of the importance of this vital heritage skill for restoring and managing healthy hedgerows." -Naomi Walker, Nature Recovery Officer at Friends of the Lake District

The competition makes an interesting spectator sport and everyone is very welcome to come along to watch and learn more about this traditional rural craft. Entry is free for spectators who are very welcome to come and watch!

Free lunch will be provided for the competitors and prizes will be handed out to the winning hedgelayers at the end.

The exact location (can be used to navigate via google maps) can be seen at the What3Words link here: ///possible.simply.sway

If you have any questions or can't find us on the day, please email naomi.walker@fld.org.uk and she will get back to you as soon as possible.

Booking

WE ARE ONLY TAKING BOOKINGS FOR THIS COMPETITION, NOT OTHERS. PLEASE SEND BOOKING FORMS FOR OTHER COMPETITIONS TO LANCS & WESTMORLAND HEDGE LAYING ASSOCIATION - Melanie Fryer, secretary: rubyanne577@gmail.com
Places in the competition can be booked by getting a ticket (follow the external event page link) and filling out the details. Please email naomi.walker@fld.org.uk if you need any help with booking on.

You must be a member of the National Hedge Laying Society to compete & we will only be using Lancs & Westmoreland style in this competition

This event is part of our Hedgerow Heroes project, which you can read more about on our website.

Hedgelaying Training Day

• 28/02/2026
• 09:15 - 16:30
• ££35 for DRST Members (£45 for non-members)

Devon Rural Skills Trust (DRST) North Somerset Style Hedgelaying Course

SEHLS Charity Hedgelaying/Fun Day

• 07/03/2026
• 08:00 - 15:00
• £FREE

A relaxed and informal day’s hedge laying open to SEHL Society members. This is normally a fund raising event for a local charity.
Email Mark Schofield - sehlsmembership@gmail.com

Hedges and Hurdles – Hedgelaying Training

• 07/03/2026
• 09:00 - 16:00

This two-day Introduction To Hedgelaying Course is designed for complete novices or for those wishing to improve their hedgelaying skills. We will be cutting in the South of England Style.

Details about the course are included on our website via the link.

Day 1 - Coppicing and preparation of materials for the hedge (Norbury Park, Fetcham, Surrey)
Day 2 - Hedgelaying (Reigate, Surrey)

Tutor Paul Matthews is Lantra Accredited at the Gold level standard.

Hedgelaying Workshop

• 07/03/2026
• 09:00 - 15:00

A full days practical workshop discussing the history of hedgelaying and it different styles, a look at the tools involved and its application in the modern farming world. You will lay about 6 metres of hedge with all tools provided. Contact the Black Isle Brewery for more details or Torquil Varty on 07803903203

SEHLS Midland Day

• 07/03/2026
• 08:00 - 15:00
• £FREE

A chance for existing South of England Style experienced Society members to try their hand at Midland style, under the supervision of experienced Midland cutters.
Cants are also usually available to cut South of England style.
Free to SEHL Society members.
Email - Mark Schofield - sehlsmembership@gmail.com

Hedgelaying Competition in Somerset

• 21/03/2026
• 09:00 - 15:00
• £FREE

The competition is divided into three classes; Novice, Novice Pairs and Open. Each competitor will be expected to lay and secure a length of hedge within the
competition time limit. The difficulty and length of hedge varies, ranging from 7m for Novices to 10m for the Open. Competitors should report at 9am for instructions and the draw for lengths. The competition will start at 9.30am and finish at 2.45pm. Hedges should be laid in the Devon style (horizontally laid stems (steppers) using crooks set at an angle to secure the finished length (please no baler twine). A limited number of crooks will be available on the day for the Novice Class. Would competitors in the Open Class please bring their own crooks.
Hot food and drinks will be provided free of charge on the day for competitors. Tea and coffee will be available to non-competitors for a charge. As the competition is held on a working farm, please keep dogs on a lead.
Individual competitors will receive a £15 cutting fee each. Pairs will receive a £15 cutting fee per pair.