Hedgelaying

A true "Devon Hedge" is an earth bank faced with either turf or stone with thick and bushy shrubs on top, and the occasional native tree. Ideally, there will be wildflower margins and a ditch on each side.

Hedgelaying (known as Hedge Steeping in Devon) is a skilled ancient craft which keeps the shrubs on top of the bank in a healthy condition. 

Using hand tools such as a billhook and axe, as well as more modern equipment such as a chainsaw, I can lay hedges in multiple regional styles.

Hedgelaying styles offered...

Devon 

Dorset

Midlands 

North Somerset

When spring arrives, the sap flows up the laid stem and new shoots emerge to create a vibrant new hedge (see photo). Whether you have a large field boundary or small garden hedge, I will be able to help. 

Hedges that are well maintained are incredibly beneficial. As well as being excellent stock proof barriers and property boundaries, detailed studies have proven that healthy hedges support the following;

• Wildlife & Bio-diversity
• Pollinators 
• Increased Crop Yields
• Shelter & Shade for Stock
• Flood Management
• Soil Conservation
• Storing Carbon / better air quality
• Woodfuel
• Reducing Water Pollution

As well as being a professional hedgelayer, I'm also skilled in Devon bank restoration which includes replacing lost turf or stone on the face of the bank. 

When hedges are in a particularly poor condition, it may be advisable to use a digger to "cast up" the fallen earth back on top of the bank to rebuild its height.  

My work always meets the requirements of the hedge laying schemes as set out by Natural England. My experience and knowledge of these requirements mean I also offer a consultation service for the many hedge laying grants which are available. 

I will visit your site to assess the suitability of your hedges and advise you on the best hedge laying grant elements that can be applied for. 

Link to the grants which are available (www.gov.uk) 

Grants include;

• Hedgelaying - BN5 grant

• Casting up the bank BN8 grant (must be used with BN5)

• Gapping up (replanting) BN7 grant

Recent client feedback

"Joseph came to quote for laying two hedges for us - one hazel and the other a mixed hedge. We were impressed by his knowledge and he was able to recommend two different styles of hedge to suit the landscape and the differing characteristics of the hedges. 

His work was really excellent - working efficiently and tidily. The hedges have since sprung back into growth and thickened really well. 

I would happily recommend Joseph to anyone looking for hedgelaying services. Not only was his practical work good, but his communication about the job was extremely professional."

________

"Joseph laid the overgrown hazel hedge along the boundary of our garden into a Devon-style hedge, and he was very helpful discussing how the hedge would grow and how we should maintain it over the years as it grows back. He was very communicative and helpful at all stages, before, during and after he did the hedgelaying."