The Art of Hedgelaying: Traditional Skills Preserving Seven Fields

Ancient craft meets modern conservation in the reserve’s boundaries

The hedgerows surrounding Seven Fields aren’t just boundaries—they’re living monuments to centuries of agricultural craft. Traditional hedgelaying, practiced at Seven Fields by skilled volunteers, involves partially cutting hedge stems and laying them at an angle, weaving them between upright stakes. This creates dense, stock-proof barriers while rejuvenating aging hedges. The National Hedgelaying Society reports that properly laid hedges can last 50+ years and support 80% more wildlife than untrimmed hedges. Seven Fields’ hedgerows contain Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Hazel, and Dogwood—the diversity indicating ancient origins. Watching hedgelayers work during winter conservation days offers a masterclass in countryside skills that connect us to 1,000+ years of land management tradition.