The National Hedgelaying Society is the only charity dedicated to promoting and preserving the traditional craft of hedgelaying
Hedgerows are a defining feature of the British countryside, forming a distinctive patchwork landscape recognised around the world.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, hedgerows offer substantial environmental benefits. They capture carbon, serve as wildlife corridors, and are rich in biodiversity, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal species.
However, without careful management, hedgerows can deteriorate, develop gaps, and, like all living organisms, eventually decline. To maintain their health and longevity, they require attentive care and formal management.
One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through the traditional craft of hedgelaying. We welcome your curiosity to find out more.
Find out more
Support Us
The National Hedgelaying Society is a charity with no formal source of income.
We rely on membership subscription, donations and sponsorship.
We need your support to keep this craft, and our hedgerows, alive.
Become a MemberPhoto credit: Graham Teece
Find a hedgelayer
We have more than 130 registered hedgelaying contractors with The National Hedgelaying Society.
Our interactive map makes it easy to find and connect with a hedgelayer in your area.
Whether you need help with a small garden hedge or managing miles of farmland hedgerows, our skilled hedgelayers are ready to assist wherever possible.
Explore the mapNews
Hawthorne Sampling – Help Needed
Hawthorn is the backbone of UK hedgerows, making up around 70% of their structure, yet its resilience to pests, diseases, and climate change remains poorly understood. We need your help to look out for hawthorns in your local area that look healthy (asymptomatic) and those showing suspected symptoms of diseases […]
READ MORE
Show Diary Dates 2026
Would you like the opportunity to learn more about hedgelaying direct from the people who lay hedges? Visit our prize winning show trailer at one of the following events and see some of the most popular styles as miniature bonsai hedges. Learn more from the detailed information posters which form […]
READ MORE
National Championship 2026
For those of you who are keen to get the date in your diary, Saturday 10th October, 2026, is the date to pencil in. It had been anticipated that the competiton would be held annually in the first week of October, following on from the success last year, however, to […]
READ MORE
Radio 4 – Hedgerow Havens
BBC Radio 4’s Open Country, presented Martha Kearney, explores the British countryside, its people, wildlife and landscape. The NHLS Blackdown Hills Hedgelaying Association is featured in the Hedgerow Havens episode. This will air on Thurs 5th March at 3pm, repeated just after the 6am news on Sat 7th March, and […]
READ MORE
Car Stickers
They are here! Our new accreditation and plain NHLS logo car stickers have arrived. Accreditation car stickers (bronze, silver and gold) – £3.50 each (These can only be ordered by accredited members by emailing office@hedgelaying.org.uk) NHLS logo car stickers – £2.50 each Post and packing for any amount of stickers […]
READ MORE
Risk Assessment Forms
The NHLS has produced two risk assessment forms for accreditation but they can also be used by our members for competitions or training events. These can be found at the bottom of the Accreditation page by scrolling to the last section, titled Assessors and Safety Standards. The forms are interactive […]
READ MORE