Description
Spend four days working on a neglected hedge to make it stock-proof, more beneficial to wildlife and it will look beautiful too. We will teach you traditional hedge laying using hand tools. Learn how to use a bill hook - the iron age tool that is still the best for the job today. The workshop covers: > Theory - why do we lay hedges, the history and the theory of how we do it. > A lot of hands on practice using bill hooks, bow saws and Yorkshire bill hooks. > Placement and creation of hedging stakes. > Great instructor to student ratios mean that you will have as much or as little guidance as you feel you need. Please note that this course is 4 consecutive days running from the 16th - 19th February 2026 (Monday - Thursday). ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS? > The course is physically demanding and you will be in the elements for 4 days. The hedge is also often a walk from where we park. If you have any questions about this then please feel free to get in touch. > Please bring a packed lunch and a bottle of water. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen to take notes. > Please wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes with steel toe caps (these are really important due to the nature of the work). Layers are key in hedge laying, as once you start on the hedge you’ll get warm quickly. ABOUT THE VENUE: The hedge laying course takes place in a different venue every year depending on where the best hedge is to lay. All venues though will have some form of shelter and somewhere to park. We do our best to make sure there is a toilet on site but this is not always a possibility. What is guaranteed is that you’ll be in a beautiful location somewhere in rural North Pembrokeshire. SLIDING SCALE TICKETS: Please note we offer sliding scale tickets on an honesty basis. We offer ‘Low Income’ tickets for people who struggle to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter and essential bills and/or may rely on benefits to do so. To see all ticket options click ‘All booking options’.
What's included in the price?
> Quality tools. > All safety gear (except steel toe capped boots).
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
We are a registered charity and small education centre dedicated to sustainable woodland management, green woodworking and woodland crafts. We are unique in that we only use traditional hand tools and are lucky enough to have a beautiful timber framed workshop set in the ancient woodland of Pengelli Forest. Our materials are provided by the forest in which we work and largely by the students on our 6 month LANTRA accredited Woodland Skills Course. We provide in-depth and considerate learning at a pace which allows real understanding and skill development. We weave together theory, practical skills and preparation for employment opportunities. We are a friendly bunch of people who have been bringing together learners, volunteers, stewards and general tree and craft lovers for almost 20 years!
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Intermediate level
- Suitable for beginners
FAQs
Most of our workshops, courses and events are tailored at the beginner to intermediate level. However, there may be some requirements around experience or physical ability so please check the event details for full information. If you're unsure about anything then please feel free to contact us via the 'message the tutor' button.
Each workshop/event has different needs. Please check the event details and emails for the full information. As our workshop is set in Pengelli Wood and has no road access, it's good to assume you will need sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing/protection and a bottle of drinking water for every course. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen if you'd like to take notes.