Following my relative success at the Nationals, I was invited to take part in the Patron’s hedge-laying competition at the end of November. The Patron of the National Hedge-Laying Society is none other than His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. HRH Prince Charles is a keen hedge-layer himself and does a tremendous amount to support our wonderful craft and the many different styles and variations around the Country. He is particularly concerned, and rightly so, that we do as much as possible to train and encourage young people in the craft so that the skills and knowledge are passed on to the next generation.

To that end, HRH Prince Charles hosts an annual, invitation only, hedge-laying competition on his estate at Tetbury in Gloucestershire. I was delighted to receive the invitation and I joined 24 other cutters from the South of England H/L Society at the event.

Joining us were cutters from the Midlands, North Somerset, and Lancashire and Westmoreland regions, meaning that there were about 100 competitors in total in 6 different classes. After the all-important briefing we set off to find our cants. South of England style was up a slope and across a field and as we couldn’t park next to it, it meant carrying everything needed for the day.

The hedge was a good native mix of hawthorn, hazel, field maple, blackthorn and guelder rose, but also ash standards at regular intervals. The ash trees had originally been planted to be left as feature trees, but with ash die-back now prevalent everywhere we had been asked to remove them as we went along. Whilst the hedgerow mix was good, it had unfortunately been planted in clusters of 5 or 6 of each species before a different species was selected. This means that you can end up with a very inconsistent hedge when it is laid with some sections nice and thick and others less so.

As usual, the allotted 5 hours flew by, but I managed to get my cant complete in time. Well, sort of. It transpired that there was a slight hiccup in the supply of stakes and binders and the Estate team were frantically harvesting more for us even as the competition was drawing to a close. We were among the last to be supplied, but the organisers told us not to worry and it wouldn’t be an issue with regards to marking.

As is customary, HRH made time to walk the entire hedge-line and chatted to all competitors. We had been asked beforehand not to take any close up photographs of Prince Charles and selfies were definitely out! I was with two other cutters as he came by, but unfortunately we were on the other side of the hedge from HRH. However, he chatted with us for a good 30 seconds or so before moving on.

After the competition was over, we were treated to a hearty bowl of soup and crusty bread as well as cake and plenty of tea, before Prince Charles addressed us all en masse and presented prizes to the winners in each class. In the event I didn’t place, but I enjoyed a fabulous day out in great company. It was a priviledge and an honour to be invited to take part, and I hope that I get invited back next year.