CAFRE to host hedge-laying courses

November 29, 2023

Following on from the recent hedge laying championships that were held in Co Down the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) are hosting practical hedge-laying courses at their Greenmount Campus.  These are hands-on one day introductory courses that aim to demonstrate the skills and techniques involved with laying a hedge.

Robert Beggs, CAFRE Technologist explained that “hedge laying is the traditional method of rejuvenating hedgerows to maximise the shelter and biodiversity opportunities that hedges provide.  Hedges in Northern Ireland are particularly important as they go some way to compensating for our low proportion of woodland. Hedges also enhance the appearance of the countryside, enclose livestock, and provide a valuable habitat for a variety of plants and animals.” 

Hedge laying involves partially cutting the stems of the hedge plants and laying them uphill at approximately 30 degrees.  This allows the hedge to produce new growth from the base and the laid stems continue to grow over the medium term. This results in a thicker hedge that is better for biodiversity, shelter and is more stockproof. 

Hedge laying is best suited to hedges that are 2.4-3.6m tall and have stems that are 50-100mm (2”-4”) thick at the base.  Ash or hazel stakes are then driven in at intervals to support the laid hedge.

Due to the practical nature of these events, places are strictly limited so registration is essential.  Anyone interested in attending should visit the environmental training courses section of the CAFRE website and register interest: www.cafre.ac.uk/business-courses/hedge-laying/