Hedging is traditionally a solitary activity or one occasionally done in pairs. There are several reasons to keep to this pattern of work, even when working in groups.
Axes, slashers and billhooks are dangerous when used near other people, and falling branches and flying thorns can catch nearby workers unaware. Hedge laying is a kind of puzzle which can be solved in many ways, but only if two answers are not imposed at once. It’s always aggravating to have a certain idea in mind as to where and how and when to lay a particular stem, and then find it has been cut for you and put somewhere else.
Finally, each individual has his own style, which results in a distinctive hedge, slightly taller and thinner or shorter and thicker than others, with the pleachers at their particular angle and the brush trimmed in a particular way. When group hedge laying, differences can be lessened by agreeing a finished height and thickness for the hedge, and ensuring that the stakes and binding are finished to the same spacing and height. However it should be remembered that differences are only noticeable for the few months following laying, as the new growth quickly obscures the detail of the laying and binding. As long as the laid hedge is broadly similar in height, width and density, it will appear as a uniform hedge from the spring after laying.
For a group of novice hedge layers, probably the best arrangement is to split the group into pairs, who each work on a measured length of hedge, if possible divided at convenient breaks such as gateways, corners or large hedgerow trees. The project leader will need to assess what is a fair length to expect for each pair, given the type of hedge, and the time available. Some guidelines are given below. The pair together sort out which pleachers to keep and which to cut, take it in turns to cut, and assist each other with the laying. Working in pairs means the group doesn’t get as spread out as working individually, making it easier for the trainer to assist everyone, and to get the group together as necessary. One or two people may also need to take turns at tending the bonfire.
Alternatively, the members of the group can work individually on a section of hedge, helping each other as necessary with heavy or awkward pleachers. This is a better arrangement for volunteers with some hedge laying experience.
Stakes and binders are normally purchased from a coppicer in advance of the project, or cut and prepared a week or so earlier by members of the group who are going to hedge lay. It’s not normally practical to cut and prepare the stakes and binders as part of the hedge laying project itself, as it takes too long. Certainly on a two day project, minimise the amount of auxiliary work, and allow volunteers to concentrate on the hedge laying itself, so that each volunteer has a chance to try all aspects of the craft, and come away having achieved a reasonable amount.
Rates of work
On average, a pair of ‘novices’ on a typical training course will be able to lay 10 yards (9m) of hedge over two days, if a chain saw operator is available. It is not normally wise to arrange a one day project, as a disproportionate amount of time is spent in firstly, breaking into the hedge, and lastly, in finishing off. The aim should be to finish most of the laying by lunchtime on the second day, to allow the afternoon for binding and clearing up. These rates will depend on the state and age of the hedge.
For training courses or projects where most of the volunteers are beginners, work on most hedges is likely to be much slower if a chain saw is not used. An exception may be the first laying of a new hedge, which can be easily managed with hand tools. One trained and skilled chain saw operator may effectively double the length of hedge which a group of trainees can lay. The chain saw can be used as necessary to cut the larger or awkward pleachers, thus removing much of the harder and time consuming work for beginners, and leaving them the more interesting work of laying and binding. The actual period of use of the chain saw is quite short, being needed perhaps for only a minute or so at a time, as each pair of workers requires. One chain saw operator to 4 or 5 pairs of workers on a training course should be about right. See page 75 for further discussion on the use of chain saws.
A skilled hedge layer working alone and using hand tools only should be able to lay at least 11 yards (10m) in a day, depending on the state of the hedge and the style of hedge laying.
In the past, a chain or 22 yards (20m) in one day by one person was usual, but this was at a time when hedges were laid on the proper rotation, and kept in good condition for laying. A neglected hedge will take longer, especially if only hand tools are used.
Using a chain saw, as all professional contractors do today, it is possible for one person in one day to lay as much as 44 yards (40m) of a hedge in good condition for laying.
Whether laying in a group or individually, and either over a measured time or a more indefinite period, it is best to estimate the length you expect to complete within a day or two days, and complete the job on that section. This is better than leaving stretches of a hedge partly finished, with cuttings strewn alongside the hedge.
Competition hedge laying
In competition hedge laying, the hedge is divided into sections of 11 yards (10m) and marked with poles, to be worked on by individual entrants. Hedge laying is done against the clock, usually for 4-5 hours. Stakes and binders are set out ready at each section, and cuttings are removed away from the work site by non-competitors.
Each competitor works in the same direction, usually from left to right when facing the hedge from the near (ditch) side. The first two pleachers of each section are ‘turned out’, so that at the end of the day each competitor can join to his or her neighbour by using the reserved pleachers at the right hand end of the section.
There are five styles used in National Competitions. These are the South of England, Midlands, Welsh, Westmorland and Derbyshire. Details of these styles are given in Chapter 9 – Laying the ‘Standard’ or Midlands hedge, Chapter 11 – Laying Welsh and South Western hedges and Chapter 12 – Other regional and local styles. In addition, there are many local and county competitions each year in England and Wales, running from mid-September to the end of March, with a break in December and January. Some competitions do not allow chain saws, mainly for Health and Safety reasons, but also to provide a better spectacle for visitors.
