Hedgelaying Skills – Bronze Award (Skills Card)

The National Hedgelaying Society offers training and assessment in hedgerow management. A series of training courses and progressive practical tests lead to a Three - tier accreditation awards in hedgelaying. The scheme is designed to ensure that hedgelayers achieve the highest standards of craftsmanship. This training course will cover all the basic skills needed to carry out the traditional craft of hedgelaying. 

The finer details

The demand for the traditional craft of hedge laying is increasing. A traditionally laid and sensitively managed hedge allows farming and conservation interests to meet; for the farmer a natural barrier to confine and shelter stock is erected, whilst for the conservationist, a wildlife habitat is created. Government commitment to hedgerow protection was included in the 1990 Environment White Paper, and appropriate legislation is included in the Environment Bill. Hedgerow protection, and encouragement for new hedge planting and management through Environmental and Countryside Stewardship Schemes has led to an increased call for hedge laying and traditional craft skills.

The National Hedgelaying Society is keen to encourage training and assessment in Hedgelaying and has introduced a National Accreditation Scheme based on the delivery of training courses and assessments. There are four levels of training and assessment.  Three levels of assessment are linked to National Hedgelaying Society National Accreditation at Bronze, Silver and Gold:

• Introduction to Hedgelaying  - Beginner training course with basic assessment as part of the course
• Bronze Level Training & Assessment:  Competent Level training with separate practical  assessment
• Silver Level Training & Assessment:    Proficient Level training with separate practical assessment
• Gold Level Training & Assessment:     Advanced Level training with separate practical assessment