In March 24 I was back on familiar ground once again as I was asked to lay Around 240 metres of hedge for the Norfolk Estate.

The hedges on the Estate are, for the most part, a dream to lay. They have been planted well with a good density, and are very consistent. As a result, you can get on very quickly. I even managed to get 20 metres down, staked, and bound in one day, something which is rarely possible on most hedges.

The hedge presented me with the opportunity to do some more advanced cuts such as side laying, and also back laying as in the photo above. This is where you place opposing cuts so that you can literally fold the stem into position to help fill a gap. It is very satisfying to do.

In the end, I only had time to lay 100 metres of the hedge before the season officially finished on the 31st March. However, the Estate were pleased with my efforts and were looking forward to me returning in the next season to do the rest.

A superb end to what had been a difficult season for me, and all in the heart of the South Downs National Park.