Hedgelaying - I am sorry to say I am having to prioritise all coppicing activity above any hedgelaying jobs, so I am unlikely to be able to assist for 2023/2024, apologies. If you are struggling to find a hedgelayer, you are welcome to contact me to ask if I can assist in connecting you with some of the hedgelayers I know.
Hedgelaying is a traditional method of maintaining rural hedgerows which is now recognised as an important alternative to simply top-cutting/flail cutting hedgerows.
Hedges can be laid from October through until late February/March when the sap is down and there is no disturbance to nesting birds. The process involves pleaching (sometimes called plashing: from the old North French 'plechier') and laying the almost severed stem in a uniform direction, supported (usually but not in all styles) by wooden stakes and woven binders along the top usually using hazel. This method supports the hedge while it re-establishes and grows thick and bushy again.
Prices are entirely dependent on the specific job; how established is the current hedge? how much will need removing? is any wire caught up in the existing hedge? is it next to a steep ditch? what is access like? etc.
Hedgerows in Hampshire usually comprise of a variety of species, eg, Hazel, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Dog Rose, Dogwood Wild Cherry, Field Maple, Crab Apple, Holly, Guelder Rose etc. Often along with standard trees along the distance, eg Oak, Ash, Maple etc.
I practise, primarily, south of England style (as you might expect) where the tops are opposingly woven back into the hedgeline, also known as double-brushed and stakes and binders are used throughout. I can also do Midlands style where required, usually where one side is more important or pathside/roadside etc.
Hedges can be laid from October through until late February/March when the sap is down and there is no disturbance to nesting birds. The process involves pleaching (sometimes called plashing: from the old North French 'plechier') and laying the almost severed stem in a uniform direction, supported (usually but not in all styles) by wooden stakes and woven binders along the top usually using hazel. This method supports the hedge while it re-establishes and grows thick and bushy again.
Prices are entirely dependent on the specific job; how established is the current hedge? how much will need removing? is any wire caught up in the existing hedge? is it next to a steep ditch? what is access like? etc.
Hedgerows in Hampshire usually comprise of a variety of species, eg, Hazel, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Dog Rose, Dogwood Wild Cherry, Field Maple, Crab Apple, Holly, Guelder Rose etc. Often along with standard trees along the distance, eg Oak, Ash, Maple etc.
I practise, primarily, south of England style (as you might expect) where the tops are opposingly woven back into the hedgeline, also known as double-brushed and stakes and binders are used throughout. I can also do Midlands style where required, usually where one side is more important or pathside/roadside etc.
A slideshow of a variety of Hedges I have worked on, one shows a dead-hedge, where dead material is stacked up to provide a makeshift barrier, it can be a useful way to define a woodland boundary and uses up the brash. Mostly the shots are taken after the hedge is just laid, though one shows the regrowth the following season.
