Over the past couple of months we’ve been deepening our traditional countryside skills with not one but two hedge laying courses run by the brilliant Devon Rural Skills Trust — first in the Devon style, and most recently in the Somerset style last Saturday. Both days were packed with learning, good company, and a real sense of keeping heritage skills alive.
Devon Style Hedge Laying — Our First Step
A couple of months back we took part in the Devon style course, a fantastic introduction to the craft. Devon style hedge laying is all about creating a strong, stock‑proof boundary using the natural flow of the hedge, with stakes and bindings used sparingly. It’s a style that suits the landscape here perfectly — rugged, practical, and deeply rooted in local tradition.
The day gave us a solid grounding in the fundamentals:
• assessing hedge condition
• selecting and preparing pleachers
• laying stems cleanly and safely
• understanding how the hedge will regrow and strengthen over time
It was a brilliant experience and left us hungry to learn more.
Somerset Style Hedge Laying — Last Saturday’s Course
Fast‑forward to last weekend and we were back out again, this time learning the Somerset style. The weather couldn’t have been better — sunshine, clear skies, and a great group of people all keen to get stuck in.
Somerset style has a very different feel:
• a tighter, neater finish
• more upright stakes
• a beautifully woven, structured look
• ideal for creating a tidy, long‑lasting stock barrier
We laid a cracking hawthorn hedge as a team, and the transformation from start to finish was incredibly satisfying. The instructors were knowledgeable, supportive, and clearly passionate about passing these skills on.
Why We Invest in Traditional Skills
At Sherlock’s Tree & Countryside Services, we believe that traditional countryside management has huge value today. Hedge laying isn’t just about boundaries — it’s about:
• improving wildlife habitat
• rejuvenating old hedgerows
• strengthening field margins
• preserving rural heritage
• creating long‑lasting, living structures
Training days like these help us bring even more skill, precision, and authenticity to the work we do across Devon.
A Big Thank You
Huge thanks to the Devon Rural Skills Trust for running such high‑quality, hands‑on courses. Both days were full of learning, laughs, and good company — exactly what countryside skills training should be.
If you’re interested in hedge laying for your land, or want to chat about wildlife‑friendly countryside management, we’re always happy to help.
Call Mark on 07785958188.
