Hedgelaying group

Information about the Hedgelaying group

Hedgerows are a distinctive feature of many rural landscapes and they perform a variety of important environmental functions such as screens against bad weather, cover for game, containment and shelter for stock and crops, and windbreaks that help control soil erosion.

Hedgerows are also important wildlife habitats.They are particularly important for butterflies, moths, many species of birds, bats and dormice, many of which are included within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as well as being specifically protected in UK and EU law.

 Where hedgerows are themselves ancient or are remnants of ancient woodland, they act as a refuge for woodland plants and even ancient trees, which themselves play host to an important assemblage of species. In autumn and early winter hedges offer abundant sources of food for wildlife.

The Wychwood Project hedgelaying group undertakes regular hedgelaying and hedge restoration activities in the Wychwood Forest Area. If you would like to become a member of this group and can offer some of your time on a regular basis please contact the project office.

Current hedgelaying group activities

In February 2012 the group completed work on an old hedge at Southdown farm, Witney that hadn’t been laid for many years. It was particularly satisfying for the group to restore an old gappy hedge to a stock proof barrier in the manner that has been effective for many generations. The work was carried out primarily by the hedgelaying group but Clive Leeke ran a two day training course, for seven novice hedgelayers, which made a good contribution to the work and the group also ran a taster day for young volunteers from Wychwood v.

There are already plans in place for hedges to lay later this year/early 2013 and new members of the group will be welcome, expert and novice alike. 

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