By Isle of Wight Observer
Wight Nature Fund’s autumn Hedgelaying Competition was hosted by the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet, on Saturday, November 8, drawing competitors and spectators to celebrate the traditional rural skill.
In bright November sunshine, Tom Murphy, of Freshwater, laid 10 metres of immaculate hedging in five hours to claim victory in the Open Class. His efforts earned him a new trophy, and a prize of chainsaw trousers, donated by Stubbings Brothers. Judge Derrick Hale, himself a former national champion, who travelled from Derby, praised the high standard of work and awarded him an impressive score of 96 out of 100.
Second place went to Tony Wilsden, who crossed the Solent to compete, narrowly beating February’s spring competition winner, Kingsley Hollis. In the Novice Class, Andy Toms took the trophy and a billhook, donated by Garwoods. The team prize went to Jim Clinton and Liam Newton, competing as the Dog’s Billhooks, who each received a pair of loppers.
New trophies crafted by a local artisan were presented — a large carved yew bird for the Open Class, and a smaller version for the Novice Class.
Spectators enjoyed demonstrations of Isle of Wight-style hedgelaying, by Oswald Hoskyns, while retired National Trust officer, Frank Heap, was a welcome visitor, returning to see mixed hedging he had planted 15 years ago now laid in the traditional stock‑proof way to benefit wildlife.
Wight Nature Fund trustees thanked the Steam Railway for use of the Havenstreet overflow field, which proved an excellent venue. They look forward to returning on November 7, 2026, for their next competition.
Tilly Walder