14/10/2026
The lads are back from the National Hedgelaying Championship and straight back to work. No rest for the wicked, as they say! 🌿
Alex and Allen had an early start to travel to the biggest hedgelaying competition of the year, where approximately 120 cutters competed across separate classes representing the different regional styles.
After a quick coffee, it was straight into a short briefing, with particular attention drawn to the removal of deadwood following issues in previous years.
The lads then drew their plots:
Alex — Midlands Intermediate, Plot 2
Allen — Midlands Open, Plot 8
The starting firework went off at 9am, giving everyone 5 hours and 15 minutes to lay their allocated 8 to 9 of hedge.
Alex made a great job of his section, producing a strong, well-built hedge with a good, thick back. Straight and level stakes and binders. His work received plenty of compliments from members of the public throughout the day.
On this occasion, the judge was looking for a considerably narrower back. Several competitors had interpreted the specification similarly to Alex, and he finished joint 8th out of 18 cutters in his class.
Moving on to Allen’s hedge as always, Allen can turn most hedges into a winning showpiece!
Unfortunately, his plot contained very little substantial timber and a lot of small spindle to lay. The hedge had also been planted on a slight curve, preventing him from achieving his usual arrow-straight stake line.
Despite the difficult plot, Allen secured third place in the Midlands Open Class a fantastic achievement at national level! 🥉
Congratulations and well done to every cutter across all the classes. From what we saw, everyone made a great job of their hedge and produced an impressive display of traditional countryside craftsmanship.
Alex and Allen are already looking forward to next year’s championship, which will be held in Rutland, nice and local for us!