A competition to promote County Durham’s rural heritage is being held in Consett this week.
People can still register for the 2016 Durham Hedge-laying Competition which is organised by Durham County Council’s Durham Hedgerow Partnership and has received support from Lanchester Dairies, Princes Trust and Trees Please.
Now in its 18th year, the contest continues to go from strength to strength and will be held at Woodlands Hall Farm in Consett on Friday 7 October from 9.30am until 3.00pm.
Spectators are welcome to watch entrants practice the ancient tradition, which dates back to Roman times when hedges were maintained through trimming and coppicing – still the most effective way to provide shelter for animals and create habitats for native wildlife.
Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for housing and rural issues, said: “Hedge-laying is a truly ancient craft and a key part of our rural heritage so this competition is an excellent way of keeping these traditions alive. It also provides a rare chance for people to come along and watch these skilled competitors at work.”
Anyone over the age of 16 can take part in the three hedge-laying classes, open, intermediate and novice where they’ll hone their sawing, bending, weaving and staking skills to be crowned one of the winners.
To weave their way to success, competitors can cut one of the many styles recorded across the UK, which have been developed to suit the area’s climate, the varying farming practices and the types of trees and shrubs that grow in a hedge, as long as the hedge is at least three feet and six inches high.
The winners will receive a championship trophy and up to £80 in cash. Prizes will also be awarded to second and third places.
Those wishing to enter can email landscape@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 267143 for more information.
