At the recent national hedgelaying championships held at Elmswell Farms in Driffield, over 100 competitors showcased their skills in front of enthusiastic spectators, all while demonstrating 10 regional styles of this unique craft. Among them was 31-year-old Josie Muncaster, who hails from Cheshire. Josie explained the appeal of hedgelaying, emphasizing, “You don’t have to be Superman to take up the activity. It’s nice to know I don’t need to go to the gym anymore.”
Having started her journey in hedgelaying as part of a previous job, Josie shared that her commitment to the activity is largely driven by its environmental benefits. “It’s great for landscape management, which helps rejuvenate hedges. This, in turn, supports wildlife, aids carbon sequestration, and contributes to flood alleviation,” she noted.
This year’s event marked a significant milestone, being held in East Yorkshire for the first time in 45 years. Richard Preston from the National Hedgelaying Society, which organizes the competition, shared his observations about the growing interest in this practice among younger generations. “It’s starting to be recognized as a viable career option,” he said. “More young people are getting involved due to its environmental advantages.”
Richard pointed out that while hedgelaying was traditionally used for managing livestock and protecting crops, it has evolved into a crucial habitat for wildlife, serving as “fantastic corridors for nature.”
Eric Wilkinson, who has been participating in hedgelaying competitions for about six years, expressed a sentiment shared by many competitors: “While winning an award would be nice, it’s really all about the camaraderie and reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in years.”
Overall, the event highlighted not just the skills involved in hedgelaying, but also its significance in promoting a healthier environment and fostering community spirit.
