Hedgelaying, a talk by Paul Heath

Paul Heath leads the Chiltern Society's Rough Around the Hedges volunteer group which is focused on better management and rejuvenation of Chilterns native hedgerows. Paul will talk about the importance of our hedges for biodiversity and the environment and explain his group’s work in the heritage art of hedgelaying. This talk has been organised by Wild Amersham and is being hosted at Amersham Museum. www.sustainableamersham.org

Hedgelaying, where living trees and shrubs are carefully cut or “pleached”, then laid at an angle to form a dense barrier, has been practiced since as least as far back as the 16th century. The pleached tree stems then sprout new vertical stems from the cut base and the angled trunks to increase the bushiness of the hedge. With some additional staking and binding, the hedge not only becomes stockproof, but provides a better habitat for wildlife. The laid hedge is a safer corridor for small mammals and birds to move around, feed and nest. Benefits translate to the wider environment too.

Since inception in January 2023, Rough around the Hedges has trained over 70 volunteers in techniques for rejuvenating and extending the life of our native hedges. After initial funding from the Chalk, Cherries and Chairs landscape partnership of Chilterns National Landscape, the team is now part of the Chiltern Society’s conservation effort.

Also check out other Arts events in Amersham.