The Wight Nature Fund Autumn Hedgelaying Competition, which was due to take place at Havenstreet this weekend, has been cancelled due to a lack of entries, with organisers now postponing the event until 2027.
The traditional countryside competition was set to return to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway on Saturday (14th November), bringing together experienced hedgelayers and newcomers to demonstrate their skills in the rural craft.
However, conflicting commitments among regular competitors have resulted in insufficient entries, leaving organisers with the difficult decision to call off this year’s event.
Organised by local charity Wight Nature Fund, the competition was due to take place for the 2nd year under the charity’s stewardship, following a successful event in 2025 which attracted several teams and hundreds of spectators.
Participants would have been challenged to lay and secure a 10m stretch of hedge within a set time limit, demonstrating the traditional techniques used to maintain and manage countryside hedgerows.
The competition was set to feature 3 categories – Open, Novice and Team – with additional trophies for the Best Hedge laid using hand tools only and the Best Stakes and Binding.
Last year’s event saw Tom Murphy crowned winner of the Open Class, while Andy Toms took home the Novice Trophy.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the competition was also intended to provide a free day out for spectators, with demonstrations of traditional countryside crafts and activities alongside the hedgelaying itself.
Visitors had been invited to watch the action from 10:00, with food and refreshments available from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s café.
The event aimed to showcase the importance of hedgelaying as a traditional rural skill, while highlighting its environmental benefits and its connection to the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.
Speaking when the competition was announced last month, Thomas Cowley, Trustee of Wight Nature Fund, said:
“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!”
Despite the disappointment of this year’s cancellation, Wight Nature Fund has confirmed that the competition will be postponed until 2027.
The charity has thanked everyone for their support throughout 2026.
A revised date for next year’s competition has not yet been announced.
