Countryside charity CPRE [1] and the National Hedge Laying Society (NHLS) [2] have set a new standard for hedgelaying.  Their first ever national Accreditation Scheme [3] launches at the National Hedgelaying Championships in Herefordshire [4] on Saturday 24 October.

The launch of the scheme comes in the year that an official survey of the countryside [5] found that the length of managed hedgerows in Great Britain fell by 6.2% between 1998 and 2007.  The survey suggests that a large proportion of the loss is because hedgerows have turned in to lines of trees or relict hedges, due to a lack of management.

CPRE’s Emma Marrington said:

‘Hedgerows are a vital part of the patchwork of the countryside.  They have to be managed if they are to remain healthy, beautiful and rich in wildlife.  But it is clear that too many hedgerows are becoming neglected.  Hedgelaying is one of the best ways to rejuvenate a hedge so that it provides a lasting legacy in the landscape.’

Nigel Adams of the NHLS said:

‘The scheme aims to encourage and maintain a high standard of hedgelaying work throughout the country.  For an individual to be accredited they will need to give a practical demonstration to assessors showing the necessary skill.

'If accredited, the hedge layer will be given an ID card and certificate which they could use to promote their skills to potential employers.  The scheme will benefit those who become accredited as well as our hedgerows.’

The National Hedge Laying Championships will attract over 120 of the top hedge layers in the country.  Hedgelaying will take place throughout the day, alongside many other country craft demonstrations.

Nigel Adams concluded:

‘Launching the accreditation scheme at the National Championships will mark a huge step in the right direction to conserving more hedgerows through traditional skills, improving the countryside for everyone.’

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk

2.  The National Hedge Laying Society (NHLS) is a charity which is committed to conserving hedgerows through traditional skills.  The NHLS is a membership organisation for active hedge layers and anyone with an interest in well maintained hedges and field boundaries.  President: Tony Carter. Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales.  www.hedgelaying.org.uk

3.  The Hedgelaying Accreditation Scheme has been created with financial support from CPRE to offer hedge layers recognition by the National Hedge Laying Society at either a craftsman or master craftsman level. Individuals will be able to choose from three assessment options: i) to have their work assessed privately in the field ii) to be assessed at an organised competition or iii) to be assessed at a designated assessment day organised by each regional style each season.  A PDF leaflet about the scheme can be found: http://www.cpre.org.uk/library/results/landscape-features

4. The National Hedge Laying Championship will be held at Turnastone Court Farm, Vowchurch, Herefordshire, HR2 0RA on Saturday 24 October (9am – 4pm).  Entry is free.

5.  Countryside Survey 2007:
http://www.countrysidesurvey.org.uk/pdf/reports2007/CS_UK_2007_Headline.pdf

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Nigel Adams (National Hedge Laying Society)
07985 969 350 (mobile)
01491 613 501 (home)
 

Emma Marrington (CPRE Rural Policy Campaigner)
020 7981 2840 (direct)
07796 191 510 (mobile)

CPRE Press Office
020 7981 2880
07739 332 796 (out of hours)