Hedgelaying Skills – Gold Award (Skills Card)

The training will prepare candidates to lay 10 metres of mature hedge to an Advanced standard in a recognised style within 5 hours, with hand tools.

If a chainsaw is used, they must have an up to date chainsaw certificate.  

The course will also cover the techniques for root laying, side laying and back laying together with correct start and finish methods. It will provide training in the technical aspects  of hedgerow management including knowledge of a range of UK styles. 

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 is a progression from the The National Hedgelaying Society Silver Award and will cover the skills required to carry out the traditional craft of Hedgelaying at an advanced level. 

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.

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 the National Hedgelaying Society Accreditation Scheme  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 one day practical  assessment
• Silver Level Training & Assessment:    Proficient Level training with one day practical assessment
• Gold Level Training & Assessment:     Advanced Level training with one day practical assessment

 This course is at Gold level and Candidates will learn advanced Hedgelaying techniques to prepare them for the  one day Gold assessment at the end of the course. The assessment will require candidates to  lay 10 metres of mature stock proof hedge to  an Advanced standard in a  recognised style within 5 hours, with hand tools and if a chainsaw is used they must have an up to date chainsaw certificate. Candidates must be able communicate the different styles and have good knowledge of hedgelaying. They must demonstrate the ability to lay a mature hedge showing the use of start and finish techniques and including  back lay, side lay and root lay. The assessment must be completed on a mature hedge and must be an unguided assessment.