Key hedgey websites are listed alphabetically below – please let us know of any other useful ones so we can add them. Devon Hedge Group checks these links regularly but if you find that any have broken, please let us know.
Blackdown Hills Hedge Association. The BHHA is dedicated to preserving the craft of hedgelaying and other related skills in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They run regular courses and each year stage the popular ‘Skills of the Hills’ event which includes a hedgelaying competition and demonstrations of a range of rural crafts.
Cornish Hedges. This website contains a wealth of information about West Country hedges, especially about hedgebanks. A library of excellent papers on a wide range of subjects relating to hedges in Cornwall is included. The site encompasses the work of The Guild of Cornish Hedges, an organisation established to improve the standards of hedging work in the county.
Devon Rural Skills Trust. The DRST promotes traditional rural skills and holds regular courses on hedge laying and on hedgebank restoration. They also arrange an annual hedge laying competition.
Devon’s historic environment. Historic landscape character maps for Devon that suggest the age of hedges based on field patterns. The maps also provide information on historic loss or gain of hedges in each area at a fine scale. See also parish tithe maps.
Exmoor National Park Authority. Information on managing Exmoor hedges.
European Hedgerow Group. An informal group Facebook page for those interested in the history, management, wildlife and cultural importance of hedgerows in Europe.
Farm Wildlife is is a partnership of conservation organisations offering practical advice on how to manage farmland habitats, including hedgerows, for a whole range of wildlife.
Hedge Laying Association of Ireland. The HLAI encourages and facilitates the conservation, protection and appropriate management of hedgerows across Ireland, including the craft and profession of hedge laying.
Hedgelink. Hedgelink is the UK partnership that brings everyone interested in hedgerows together, to share knowledge and ideas, to encourage and inspire, and to work with farmers and other land managers to conserve and enhance our hedgerow heritage. They provide advice and guidance, and seek to influence national policy to benefit hedges. Their website contains much information and advice about all aspects of hedges.
Hedgerow harvest. Established by The Tree Council, this project seeks to reconnect people to hedges as a source of healthy seasonal food.
Poem by Jacob Gammelgaard This poem is all about the importance and wonders of Devon hedges and their traditional management.
National Hedgelaying Society. This NHLS is dedicated to maintaining the traditional skills of hedgerow management. They hold the national championships each year, and run an accreditation scheme for hedge layers.
Somerset Hedge Group. The SHG promotes good practice in hedge management, raises awareness and appreciation of the value of hedges to farming and non-farming communities, and increases the conservation of the hedge network across Somerset. Devon and Somerset Hedge Groups work closely together.