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Hedgelaying competition a big success

Published
Wednesday 5 Dec 2018

Myerscough College hosted the annual Wyre & Myerscough Hedgelaying competition at the weekend.

students HEDGELAYING 2018.jpg

The event, which forms part of the Lancashire and Westmorland Hedgelaying Association’s Grand Prix of competitions, was held at Myerscough’s Lee Farm. This year competitors, including some Myerscough students, took part in the ancient rural craft over four classes – Championship, Open, Starter and Novice. The standard of hedgelaying as always was very high and the judges had a tough job deciding the winners of each class.

John Wherry, Deputy Principal Resources at Myerscough College, presented the certificates to the winning competitors.

Head of Agriculture & Countryside at Myerscough College, Craig Thompson, said: ‘’Hedgelaying is a sustainable hedgerow management practice and ensures the hedgerow remains stockproof whilst offering shelter from wind and rain and maximising biodiversity benefit. It also significantly prolongs the life of the hedge.

‘’Well done to all who competed and persevered in the wet conditions. It was great to host the event, and a fantastic effort by all involved in challenging weather.

‘’It was great to see three of our Level 3 Agriculture students - Tom Waterworth, Harry Worth and David Martindale – take part in the starter class.

‘’Congratulations to Peter Gibson for winning overall champion hedgelayer and winner of championship class. Congrats also to William Bell - winner of Open Class, James Yates Bell - winner of Novice Class and Tom Waterworth - winner of starter class.’’

 ‘’Many thanks to everyone involved in organising the competition.’’

The event provided a great opportunity for people to get involved in high quality sustainable hedgerow management and it was also a superb networking opportunity with farmers, hedgelaying contractors and countryside officers there demonstrating and competing in this ancient craft in the Lancashire and Westmorland style.

Alison Boden, Coast and Countryside Manager at Wyre Council, said: ‘’Despite a very wet day, the 14 competitors did a great job and the laid hedge looked really good. It was great to have some students having a go too and well done to all involved!’’

The full list of results is as follows:

Championship Class

Peter Gibson     1st and Best Overall Hedger

Andy Kirkwood 2nd

Craig Procter      3rd

John Handley     4th

 

Open Class

William Bell   1st

Steven Boyes    2nd

John Gibson       3rd

Aidan Handley   4th

James Haigh       5th

 

Novice Class

James Yates-Bell 1st

Danny Hodgson  DNA

Mike Kelly     DNA

 

Starter Class

Tom Waterworth 1st

Harry Worth  2nd

Peter Stevens 3rd

David Martindale  4th

 

by Dave Salmon

DSalmon@myerscough.ac.uk