Teams and individuals are being invited to take part in a celebration of rural tradition at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet when it hosts the Autumn Isle of Wight Hedgelaying competition on 8th November.
Organised by the rural charity Wight Nature Fund, it follows their inaugural hedgelaying event in February, which saw a number of teams demonstrate their craft in front of an estimated 150 spectators.
The competition will be divided into 3 categories: Open, Novice and Team, with additional trophies for the Best Hedge Laid by an Isle of Wight competitor, the Best Hedge laid with hand tools only and the Best Stakes and Binding used in a hedge.
Each competitor will be expected to lay and secure a 10m length of hedge within the competition time limit.
Local businesses have provided prizes for winners, while cross-Solent ferry firm Wightlink are supporting the event, allowing greater involvement from mainland competitors.
Spectators are welcome on site at Havenstreet Station from 10:00, and the station will be open for food and drink, while stands demonstrating traditional crafts and activities will be on site.
Entries to the Wight Nature Fund Hedgelaying Competition are now open and the closing date is Friday 7th November 2025.
Thomas Cowley, Trustee from Wight Nature Fund, says:
“The benefits of hedgelaying are numerous and it complements the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. It is a fantastic day out, for both competitors and spectators who are interested in learning more about this vital rural craft!”
Entries to the Wight Nature Fund Hedgelaying Competition are now open and the closing date is Friday 7th November 2025. The entry form can be found at https://forms.gle/gvDMHwcMkVJh5XQA9, with more information available at https://wnf.org.uk/hedgelaying-competition-8th-november-2025/.
