Hedgelaying competition a big success

Hedgelaying competition a big success

The event, which forms part of the Lancashire and Westmorland Hedgelaying Association’s Grand Prix of competitions, was held at Meadow Field in Pilling. This year, 17 competitors, including some former Myerscough students, took part in the ancient rural craft over five classes – Championship, Open, Junior, 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.

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.’’

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.

Craig added: ‘’It was a fantastic hedge to lay, having been planted ten years ago. It was especially pleasing to see so many youngsters in the competition. Peter Gibson – chairman of the Lancashire and Westmorland Hedgelaying Association and former National Hedgelaying Champion does a fantastic job of encouraging youngsters in to the craft of hedgelaying.’’

'’Many thanks go to the organisers and volunteers, Wyre Borough Council and Myerscough College as well as the other judges and organisers.’’