COMPETITORS from all over the South West are heading to Loddiswell for the annual hedge-laying competition.

The event, which takes place this Saturday, October 29, marks the start of the hedge laying season and is hosted by the Devon Rural Skills Trust.

The hedge laying competition changes location each year and this year is taking place at Ham Farm, Loddiswell. Participants face a five hour challenge to lay their section of hedge and can compete in three classes - novice, intermediate and open - according to their ability. Cups and cash prizes are awarded to the winners of each class

Organiser Don Gaskins said: ‘Our event is always popular and although the competition is fierce there is a very friendly atmosphere. Even if you’re not competing, it’s a good opportunity to witness an ancient rural skill in action and see some of the South West’s best practitioners steeping a hedge in the traditional Devon style.’

Some of Devon’s hedges are over 500 years old whilst some date back as far as 4,000 years. Most hedges were originally planted for stock control before the advent of wire fencing and the craft of hedge laying, or hedge steeping as it is known in Devon, developed as a method of maintaining the stock proof nature of the hedges whilst keeping the growth of the plants dense, young and bushy.

Don Gaskins continued: ‘Hedge laying greatly prolongs the life of a hedge and also provides the other benefits of creating a wind break, shelter and shade for livestock and a dense, continuous habitat for wildlife.

‘The Devon style of hedge laying involves partially cutting through living saplings near ground level and bending them over to lay flat along the hedge bank. The “steepers” are laid in two combs and staked into place to form a living fence. On the day, competitors will use only hand tools such as axes, slashers and billhooks, to lay their section of hedge.’

The competition takes place between 9.30am and 2.30pm. The judges will then assess the hedges and announce the winners before the event finishes at 4.30pm.

The Devon Rural Skills Trust is a charity which aims to keep alive the traditional crafts and skills which have been practised in the county for centuries. It runs weekend courses and a training scheme which aims to help young people develop the expertise necessary to enable them to earn a living from the crafts taught by the Trust as well as preserving the fabric of the countryside.

To enter this year’s competition or find out more about the Trust contact Don Gaskins on 01752 336049 or visit the website: www.devonruralskillstrust.co.uk