Hedge Laying Competition

Annual Hedge Laying Competition

Join Somerset Hedge Group for the annual hedge laying competition, a highlight of calendar! The competition usually takes place around the beautiful Quantock Hills, where participants can demonstrate their skills, learn from each other, and celebrate the importance of hedgerow conservation.

By kind permission of Hugh & Jane Warmington:

• Competition Date: Saturday 21^st March 2026

• Location: Cothelstone Estate, Cothelstone, near Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3DP

• Grid Ref: ST 1762 3111

• W3W: ///snore.reduction.windmill

• Entry Form: via TicketTailor (click here)

• Closing Date: Friday 13^th March 2026

  
  

The competition is divided into three classes; Novice (those who have not won this class before), Novice Pairs and Open (those with experience of hedge laying).

Each competitor will be expected to lay and secure a length of hedge within the competition time limit. The difficulty and length of hedge varies, ranging from 7m for Novices to 10m for the Open.

Competitors should report at 9am for instructions and the draw for lengths. The competition will start at 9.30am and finish at 2.45pm. Hedges should be laid in the Devon style (horizontally laid stems (steppers) using crooks set at an angle to secure the finished length (please no baler twine)). A limited number of crooks will be available on the day for the Novice Class. Would competitors in the Open Class please bring their own crooks.

Hot food and drinks will be provided free of charge on the day for competitors. Tea and coffee will be available to non-competitors for a charge. As the competition is held on a working farm, please keep dogs on a lead.

Individual competitors will receive a £15 cutting fee each. Pairs will receive a £15 cutting fee per pair.

Prizes for Novice and Open Classes:

First Prize – £75

Second Prize – £50

Third Prize – £25

All competitors winning a cash prize will also get their £15 cutting fee.

Judging will be completed on a points basis:

• Quality of cutting, finish of cut stool and absence of splitting (50 points)

• Selection and best use of crooks leading to overall hedge strength (40 points)

• General appearance, quality and neatness of the finished hedge; its effectiveness as a stock barrier and tidiness of the working area (10 points)