The ancient craft of hedgelaying will be celebrated at the 23rd staging of the annual Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition at Parkdown Barns, Calbourne Road, Newport later this month.
The event – on Saturday 28th February – is organised by the Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Group, with support from Landscape Therapy, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership and the Isle of Wight Council.
Entry is free for competitors and spectators are welcome. Entry forms (with information about conditions of entry) are available online at https://iwhg.org or by emailing Matthew Chatfield, secretary to the Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Group at [email protected], tel: 821000 (ext: 8719). There are novice, team and open categories for the event.
Matthew Chatfield said:
“We have a number of very talented hedgelayers on the Island as well as many other enthusiasts who continue to keep this ancient craft alive and thriving.
“The annual competition brings many of these people together to both celebrate hedgelaying and compete against one another in a variety of classes.
“Hedgelaying, of course, plays a variety of key roles in our countryside, including in farm management and encouraging habitat for our wildlife.
“The competition, as ever, will be a lot of fun and will hopefully inspire others to take up the craft. There will also be displays, refreshments and some excellent prizes – and we would particularly like to thank Mr and Mrs Morris for making the site available for this year’s event.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Photograph: Isle of Wight Green Gym
