At the end of each season, the South of England Hedge-laying Society puts on a training day where experienced members can have a go at laying a hedge in the Midland Style. Midland style laid hedges are noticeable for being bare on one side and heavily brushed on the other. This is due to the mixed farming practices in that part of the World. Arable crops would be sown on the bare side (known as the ‘face’ or ‘plough’ side) and stock would be grazed on the other side, the heavy brush keeping the animals away from the regrowth.
Midland hedge-laying was the first style that I learnt when at college many moons ago, but I have done very little since being as I live in the South of England. Therefore, I was keen to re-learn the technique as it is good to be able to offer a different style to potential customers.
On this occasion, I was working with my good friend Paul Matthews. Paul is a superb hedge-layer and has competed at the highest level. He is a former National Supreme Champion cutting the South of England style, and nowadays he competes in the Midland class at the Nationals. I couldn’t ask for a better tutor!
With the Midland style, you begin by cutting off all the brush on the plough side up to a height of 6 feet. The stems are then pleached and laid in the same manner as other styles of hedge-laying. The main difference is that with Midland style, you have to stake as you go – you never go more than 18 inches in front before placing the next stake.
Very quickly, our hedge started to take shape, and with Paul’s expert guidance and attention to detail it was looking very smart indeed. Our section happened to be immediately adjacent to a section of hedge that had been previously laid in the South of England style, so the differences between the two are easy to see.
Before too long, our hedge was down and we could start the binding. Midland binding is very distinctive, with the binders being twisted and rolled around the stakes. With decent raw material to work with, the finished effect is like rope.
It can be quite tricky to remember the sequence, especially after so many years of binding South of England style, but under Paul’s guidance there was no danger of me getting it wrong.
That left Paul to apply the finishing touches….
…..Before we could both stand back and admire our handy-work. It was a fabulous day in the best of company. I learned a huge amount from Paul, as always. His enthusiasm is infectious, and his knowledge and attention to detail is legendary, and second to none. If I can ever cut as good as he does, I will be a very happy man indeed.
