Hedge layers head for competition

Farmers can benefit from laying hedgerows on their land

The finals of the National Hedgelaying Championships are taking place in Gloucestershire over the weekend.

The promoters hope it will show how farmers can reap the benefits of taking care of important hedgerows.

Around 130 hedgelayers from all over the UK are taking part in the competition, which promotes the craft.

The Environmental Stewardship plan funds farmers to look after 7,358km (4,572 miles) of hedgerows in the South West area.

'Action-packed day'

The competition, co-sponsored by The Rural Development Service in the South West, takes place at Broadfield Farm, Tetbury.

Nigel Adams, of the National Hedgelaying Society, said: "Each participant will be expected to lay 10 yards of hedge in five hours and each person will be competing with different styles of hedgelaying, of which there are seven in operation throughout the UK, the most popular being the Midlands style.

"It will be an action-packed day with a ploughing match and a demonstration of local crafts from many different regions."

Jonathan East, of the Rural Development Service added: "High- profile events such as these championships help to highlight the importance of preserving hedgerows."