In this episode we meet Sasha Georgiades, a trainee with the Devon Rural Skills Trust. She’s spent the last four years learning how to become a hedgelayer and invites us to work with her in Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot.
Sasha teams up with Chris Stanton, an instructor, and fellow trainee Joseph Orpen for some hands-on hedgelaying! We find out what exactly hedgelaying is, whilst they discuss the importance of encouraging young LGBTQ people - and those identifying as women - to consider rural careers.
We also hear from Megan Gimber from the People’s Trust for Endangered Species on the history, culture and importance of hedgerows in our landscapes.
Find out more:
treecouncil.org.uk/lifeonthehedge
Sasha and Joseph are currently on the Devon Rural Skills Trust training scheme, who also run weekend courses for those wanting to try out hedgelaying.
There are many organisations who run similar schemes and courses, which is a great way to explore whether hedgelaying is for you! The Rural Skills Hub currently has funded training opportunities for those looking to pursue a career in this area and the National Hedgelaying Society is a great resource for anyone interested in finding out more about this traditional countryside skill.
Fancy yourself as a hedgelayer? Hedgelink.org is great place to start, packed with hedgy related resources and advice.
If you’d like to find out more about hedgelaying, what it is and why it’s good for our hedgerows, watch Nigel Adams talk on The Art and Craft of Hedgelaying, hosted by CPRE Shropshire.
You may also be interested in these HedgeTalk webinars hosted by The Tree Council as part of National Hedgerow Week 2021.
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