Kilkenny people are invited to learn traditional hedge laying skills on new course

Hedge laying is an ancient skill, involving a process that keeps the hedgerow young and vigorous indefinitely. It is considered the optimum form of management for our native hedgerows and it is hard to overstate its value in preserving habitats for wildlife. Scroll down to read more and click NEXT to see more photographs and diagrams of interest.

An introductory, one-day hedge laying training course, aimed at novice hedge layers and those whose skills might be a little rusty, will take place at Kilcruit, Co. Carlow, on February 24, with expert Clive Lyttle.

Training will include an introduction to the concept and benefits of hedge laying, practical demonstrations and practice in the skills of hedge laying. Tools will be provided, but participants must wear suitable outdoor and protective clothing.
Book your place on hedgerows.ie/events where you can also find details on other upcoming courses and events.

Hedgerows are largely human-made features, with much of Ireland’s network established over the last 100 years. Many of the stems are at the end of their natural life span and since most hedgerow species (especially hawthorn) don’t reproduce well in the shade, our hedgerows are dying out.
They often no longer fulfil their basic function as barriers to livestock, having become gappy or bare at the base. This also exposes nesting wildlife to predation.

The technique of hedge laying was widespread in Ireland in the middle of the 20th century but the practice has largely died out. The revival of interest in hedgerows through agri-environmental schemes has resulted in a resurgence in this traditional craft.
Hedgerows Ireland is working to promote the conservation and nature-friendly management of these valuable habitats which support our health, well-being, and wildlife. See hedgerows.ie.