By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight’s traditional hedge-laying competition is set to return, thanks to support from local rural charity, Wight Nature Fund. The event did not take place last year and there was uncertainty over whether it could be held in 2025.
Hedge-laying has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. As well as preserving traditional countryside skills, it delivers substantial environmental and ecological benefits. Hedgerows are preserved to create better habitats for birds, animals and insects.
They provide shelter, and opportunities for pollinators, improved resilience to livestock, and a more pleasing appearance than tractor-flailed hedges.
Naomi Cowley, one of the charity’s trustees, said: “Hedge-laying events bring people together to celebrate a rural skill that dates back hundreds of years, and provide a great forum for people to come along, see what it’s all about, and learn about the environmental benefits of laying hedges.”
The competition will see individuals and teams working together to lay a predetermined length of hedge. Their efforts will be scored on quality of cutting, straightness, quality of binding, stock-proofness, and general appearance. There will be prizes for Novice, Open and Team categories, and other awards, including for best work from an Island competitor.
Sponsors Stubbings have offered a prize of a petrol chainsaw, valued at £380.
Spectators are welcome to attend the event. Organisers are grateful to local farmer, Michael Morris. The site can be found using the What3Words code: ‘Tasks Paddocks Ranking’.
For more information and entry forms email hello@wnf.org.uk.
