Hedgelaying competition a big success
- Published
- Wednesday 5 Dec 2018
Myerscough College hosted the annual Wyre & Myerscough Hedgelaying competition at the weekend.
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