Yesterday, we swapped battery-powered tools for billhooks and boots, spending the day immersed in the traditional craft of Devon hedge laying. Hosted by the Devon Rural Skills Trust, the course brought together experienced countryside professionals and enthusiastic newcomers to learn, refine, and celebrate one of the region’s most iconic land management techniques.

Reconnecting with Tradition

Hedge laying isn’t just about restoring boundaries — it’s about preserving heritage, supporting biodiversity, and working with the land rather than against it. Under expert guidance, we practiced the Devon style: laying stems low and tight into the bank, weaving them to form a stock-proof barrier while encouraging healthy regrowth.

We worked with hawthorn, blackthorn, and hazel, learning how to assess each stem, make clean cuts, and position the pleachers for strength and longevity. The rhythm of the work — cut, lay, stake, bind — was deeply satisfying, and the transformation of a tired hedge into a living structure was remarkable.

Skills Sharpened, Spirits Lifted

The course wasn’t just technical; it was social and inspiring. We shared stories, tips, and a few laughs over tea breaks, and left with renewed respect for the generations who’ve shaped Devon’s hedged landscape. For us at Sherlock’s, it was a chance to deepen our ecological practice, connect with fellow land stewards, and prepare for the Devon hedge laying competition in March — which we’re proud to be entering.

We’re also booked onto the next training course in late November to keep honing our technique and learning from the best. It’s all part of our commitment to offering authentic, high-quality hedge laying services rooted in local tradition.