CPRE Hedgerow Heroes project

Our very popular hedgelaying workshops are now open for booking!

 

The cost of the 2-day workshop is £45 per person which covers your tuition and all tools. Please bring a packed lunch.

 

The dates are:

Tues/Weds 8-9 October - course completed
Tues/Weds 15-16 October - course completed

Tues/Weds 5/6 November - course completed

 

The hedge we will work on is the one we started last year near the Bog Visitor Centre at the Stiperstones, South Shropshire, SY5, on a working farm where we planted new hedges last winter too.

 

This is a great opportunity for hands-on, practical experience of the traditional art of hedgelaying, taught with hand tools (no chainsaws!).

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On our workshops you will:

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• Learn about the history and benefits of hedgelaying 

• Discover hedgelaying techniques and tools (including maintenance of hand tools)

• Get hands-on hedgelaying practice (Midland/Border cross style - clear out deadwood, select and laying pleachers, trimming, staking and binding)

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Some background on our hedgelaying trainer

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Richard Clarke (from Really Rural) has over 20 years experience working in forestry and conservation and is a lecturer in Countryside Management. He has run our hedgelaying workshops since 2021.

On our workshops, trainees can get started on a traditional country skill that helps improve a hedge's structure and strength. A laid hedge provides a stock proof barrier, weather protection to crops, a corridor and shelter for wildlife.

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Here is a quote from a happy attendee from last year:
 

"Absolutely loved the course, I thought it was amazing, definitely a skill for life and Richard was great, extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Everything was at your own pace and all participants were encouraging and supportive. It really was one of my personal highlights of the year and I cannot thank you all enough."

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Please note there will be a charge this year for these workshops to help us cover costs: £45 per person (total) for the 2 day workshops. NB if the cost is genuinely difficult we will consider applications for free places - please email Sarah on admin@cpreshropshire.org.uk - thank you