Dolydd GobaithVisit us
Hedge-laying at
Dolydd Gobaith
Come along to learn the important (and addictive) skill of hedge-laying
Free Hedge-laying Taster Day
Sunday 9th November, 10am–4pm
Join us for an introduction to hedge-laying on the beautiful hillsides overlooking the wonderful Tanat Valley at Dolydd Gobaith with two local hedge-layers.
You’ll learn the principles behind hedge-laying and hedgerow management, get an insight into different styles of hedge-laying, and get a hands-on chance to practice the basics. You should come away with a good foundation in hedge-laying and the confidence to practice on your own hedgerows.
If you’re keen, there will be a chance to put your new skills into practice and get comfortable with hedge-laying the following day, while helping to contribute to our conservation work at Dolydd Gobaith.
And if you’re truly hooked, there will also be opportunities to carry on practising and helping us maintain the hedgerows at Dolydd Gobaith.
This event is sponsored by Llais y Goedwig who are examining different ways of supporting community woodlands to ensure that good management practices and the cultivation of endangered crafts such as hedge-laying are rewarded. Llais y Goedwig have also provided some money to help with travel costs, so if you would like to take part and could benefit from help with travel, please do get in touch.
We have space for 10 beginners, along with additional spots for anyone else with some experience of hedge-laying who would like a chance to practise.
Professional Hedge-laying Tuition
Sunday 30th November, 10am–4pm
Sunday 8th February, 10am–4pm
Sunday 8th March, 10am–4pm
If you would like more in-depth tuition from an experienced professional, we're also very lucky to have several days with decorated hedgelayer Jim Kilpatrick. Jim is an award-winning craftsman who lays hedges to a beautiful standard and is an excellent teacher. He’ll give you a very solid grounding in the foundations of the craft and quickly give you a good set of hedge-laying skills.
If you’re keen, there will be a chance to put your new skills into practice and get comfortable with hedge-laying the following day, while helping to contribute to our conservation work at Dolydd Gobaith.
And if you’re truly hooked, there will also be opportunities to carry on practising and helping us maintain the hedgerows at Dolydd Gobaith.
We have 6 spots available for each day.
Tuition is £50 for the day, although we also have a concessionary rate of £25. Please get in touch to book your spot or find out more about concessions.
FAQs
What is hedge-laying?
Hedge-laying is an ancient skill and an important part of the proper management of our farmed landscape. Hedges are artificial features that provide important benefits for humans and other species. They provide boundaries for humans and help keep animals in (and out). For other species, they mimic woodland edges, providing opportunities for foraging food, finding shelter, and moving safely between other habitats. Without ongoing management (including hedge-laying), hedgerows will eventually become lines of trees. Thats not a bad thing, and provides other benefits, but loses some of those important features that humans and wildlife need. Hedge-laying makes use of many native species' adaptation to animal browsing, where chops and cuts can stimulate vigorous growth. By cutting the trees in the right way and at the right time, and laying over the cut stems, hedge-laying reinvigorates the hedge, providing a living barrier and making the hedge bushier and denser in a way thats a boon to all sorts of other species. We’ve lost hundreds and thousands of miles of hedgerows over the last century, and badly need to get them back. By learning to lay hedges, you’ll be an important part of restoring biodiversity and preserving our landscape culture.
Do I need to bring tools?
All tools will be provided, but if you’ve got a favourite billhook or axe, then do sharpen it up and bring it along.
What do I need to bring?
A packed lunch (we’ll be out on the hillside, so we won’t be able to warm it up). Drinks (a thermos full of something warm will put a spring in your step). Suitable clothing (dress appropriately for the weather in clothes that won’t mind the odd thorn or wayward branch). Good footwear (the hillside is steep and muddy in places)
Got a question?
We’re very friendly, so please do get in touch
Email us
hello@dolydd-gobaith.cymru
Follow us
dolyddgobaith