YOU MAY have noticed more and more pockets of beautifully laid hedges as you travel the countryside. Hedgelaying is back or, at least, we are seeing some shoots of revival of this ancient craft. Earlier this year, I achieved a long-held ambition to have a section of hedge laid. It was only about 50 yards – or two and a half chains, a measurement I last encountered as an estate management student at the Royal Agricultural College in the early 1980s – ostensibly to let light into my kitchen garden but also to do a small bit for wildlife.
With a bit more education, I hope to do the next section myself but this was done in Midland style by David Jupe, a local gardener who was taught as a boy by the now-defunct Oxfordshire Hedgelaying Group. Technically it is a craft but his work is borderline art. The result is amazing: a patchy, leggy hedge that was probably untouched for 20 years has been reinvigorated. It is tight so not only stockproof but I dare say a weasel, let alone a fox, would struggle to find its way in or my dogs a way out. The newly returned daylight on the garden has given rise to orchids, cornflower, ox-eye daisies, agrimony, cowslip and corn marigold, none of which were present last year.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays
