The Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition, hosted by Wight Nature Fund, was enjoyed by around 150 spectators in the Island sunshine last weekend.
It comes after the original organisers cancelled the event just a few weeks beforehand.
Held at Park Farm Barns on the Middle Road, by kind permission of landowner Mike Morris, teams and individuals showed their skills working with axes, billhooks and chainsaws, cutting and bending hedging to create a stock-proof living fence.
The sun shone on an estimated 150 spectators of all ages who attended the competition, some travelling across the Solent to enjoy the event. Others confessed to never having heard of hedgelaying before and wanted to learn more about the rural craft.
Organisers Wight Nature Fund managed to secure the judging expertise of former National Hedgelaying Champion Derrick Hale. He travelled from Derbyshire to judge the work of the entrants at the end of the 5 hour competition.
It was a close fought competition to be Open Class Winner, with Kingsley Hollis just pipping Tom Murphy by 4 points. This netted Kingsley the top prize of an Oleomac chainsaw, donated by Chale Green firm Stubbing Bros.
The Novice prize was won by Rod Warne. Rod took home a pruning chainsaw, donated by Mike Garwood Ltd in Newport.
The Team prize was awarded to The Tree Fellas, comprising Tom Sargeant, Jimmy Clinton and Ed Daish-Miller. Each team member took home long-handled pruners donated by Mole Valley and thorn-proof gauntlets from Safety Hut.
Trustees of Wight Nature Fund were pleased to welcome a news crew from national German broadcaster ZDF, covering the event for broadcast in their flagship news programme. While on the Island they interviewed ecologist and environmental expert, Ian Boyd. They also spoke to many of the teams and spectators on the day.
Judge Derrick Hale said he enjoyed the day:
“The event was well organised and well conducted for all throughout the day. There were many spectators to be seen, together with media coverage.
“A high level of enthusiasm for restoring hedgerows and re-establishing a continuity of hedgerow management practices was very apparent.”
Ed Daish-Miller, from winning team The Tree Fellas, said:
“We are grateful to Wight Nature Fund for putting on such a well organised competition. It was fantastic to see so many people come out to watch us and the other teams enjoying what we do, and at the same time making a positive contribution to the landscape.”
Thomas Cowley, a Trustee of Wight Nature Fund, said:
“There are many benefits to hedgelaying. Aside from the ability to contain livestock in a more natural and environmentally beneficial manner, it’s visually stunning. A recent University of Leeds study concluded that soil under hedges stored on average 40 tonnes more carbon per hectare than grassland.
“We are so glad to be able to help those working in this rural environment showcase their talent. This allows those working within the industry to further develop opportunities for hedgelaying in the future.”
Thomas also hinted at Wight Nature Fund adding another date to the hedgelaying calendar later this year:
“We are pleased to be able to announce that Wight Nature Fund are aiming to run our own, dedicated competition this November, at the start of the hedgelaying season. This will benefit the Island’s hedgelayers more and avoids competition with the Isle of Wight Hedgerow Group’s event, should they choose to hold one next year.”
“This event would not have been possible without the team of volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the day to ensure that teams and spectators were well looked after.”
Wight Nature Fund said the support of local companies including Mike Garwood Ltd, Stubbings Bros, Mole Valley, Safety Hut, Wightlink Ferries, Tasty Snacks Outdoor Catering, MR Agri and JM Agricultural Services was crucial to the success of the event.
I worked for Fred Hollis when he farmed gotten farm at Chale cut and laying a hedge is a real skill
They make it look easy.