Hedge Laying and Planting
Preserving a traditional countryside skill while creating healthier, stronger and more wildlife-friendly hedgerows.
At PM Countryside Services, we offer traditional hedge laying to restore and rejuvenate established hedgerows, helping to create a strong, dense and attractive natural boundary.
Rather than simply cutting a hedge back, hedge laying involves carefully partially cutting selected stems near the base and laying them at an angle, while keeping them alive. The laid stems are secured to form the structure of the hedge, encouraging fresh growth from the base and creating a thicker hedge over time.
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Why Lay a Hedge?
Traditional hedge laying offers a number of benefits for both the landowner and the local environment.
Regenerates older hedgerows
Laying encourages vigorous new growth from the base, helping to rejuvenate hedges that have become tall, thin, overgrown or open at the bottom.
Creates a thicker, stronger hedge
New growth develops through and around the laid stems, creating a dense, bushy hedge and helping to fill weak or open areas.
Excellent for wildlife
A healthy, dense hedgerow provides valuable habitat, shelter and feeding opportunities for birds, insects, pollinators and small mammals.
Provides protection for nesting birds
The dense structure created towards the base of a traditionally laid hedge provides valuable cover for small birds and can make nests less accessible to predators.
Creates a natural livestock barrier
Hedge laying was traditionally used to create strong, stock-resistant field boundaries and remains an effective way of restoring a hedge as a practical natural barrier.
Preserves our countryside
Traditional hedge laying helps retain the character of the British countryside while preserving a skilled rural craft that has been used for generations.
Traditional Midland style hedge laying
Government Grants for Hedge Laying
Funding may be available towards the cost of traditional hedge laying through government countryside and environmental schemes.
Eligible landowners in England may be able to receive funding through Countryside Stewardship / Capital Grants for the restoration of hedgerows using traditional hedge laying techniques.
The BN5 Hedgerow Laying grant currently provides funding towards eligible hedge laying work, with additional funding potentially available for traditional staking and binding (BN10).
Grant availability, payment rates and eligibility criteria can change, so we recommend checking the current government guidance before commencing work.
If you are considering restoring your hedgerows, please contact us to discuss the work required and obtain a quotation.
Hedge Planting
Alongside traditional hedge laying, PM Countryside Services also provides hedge planting services, whether you are looking to establish a completely new hedgerow, restore an existing boundary or fill gaps in an established hedge.
We can plant a range of traditional native hedging species to create strong, attractive and wildlife-friendly boundaries suited to the surrounding countryside. Mixed native hedging can provide valuable food, shelter and nesting habitat for birds, insects and small mammals while creating a practical natural boundary for paddocks, fields and estates.
From preparing the ground and planting through to the installation of stakes, guards and protective fencing where required, we can tailor the work to suit the site and your individual requirements.
Government grant funding may also be available for eligible hedge planting and hedgerow restoration projects, subject to the current scheme requirements.
Planning a new hedge or restoring an existing one? Contact us to discuss your requirements and arrange a free quotation.