An opportunity has arisen for a part time trainee to learn the craft of hedgelaying in the Chiltern Hills area. This position is funded by Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
Hedgelaying is the ancient art of cutting partially through each stem, and laying them over to form a solid, living fence. There are many regional styles that have developed over the centuries. In Oxfordshire two styles are practised, the Midland Style and the South of England style. Hedgelaying has made a resurgence in recent years as the importance of hedges in our landscape, and their benefit for wildlife has been recognised.
This training will focus on practical hedgelaying and will also provide the opportunity to learn about hedgerow management in general. The successful applicant will be trained in:
· Use of hand tools, safety, sharpening and maintenance.
· Hedgelaying techniques in two style, Midland and South of England; cutting, stake and binding, etc.
· Hedgerow management; trimming, rejuvenation, the 10-point hedge management lifecycle scale.
· Hedge surveying
· Hedge planting
The trainee will work towards achieving either the bronze or silver award in the National Hedgelaying Society accreditations cheme: Accreditation – National Hedgelaying Society.
The trainee will need to be physically fit and able to work outside and in all conditions. Hedgelaying is hard, demanding work and involves using very sharp hand tools. Some experience of working with hand tools is desirable but not necessary.
· The training opportunity offers 37 days of work between November 2025 and March 2026, which must be completed.
· Training will be paid at a rate of £130 per day.
· Applicants must have access to a car to drive to various locations.
· Applicants must be registered as self-employed and be paying their own National Insurance.
· The exact work schedule will be determined by Nigel Adams and the trainee.
· Applicants ideally should be available to start November 2025 and until March 2026.
· The applicant must keep a log of the sites they work at and the meterage of hedge they lay.
This opportunity is jointly funded by Wild Oxfordshire, Farming in Protected Landscapes (Chilterns) and Nigel Adams, who will be carrying out the training.
Please email a few sentences about yourself to jessica@wildoxfordshire.org.uk to express your interest in the role. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until a candidate is decided.
.jpg){kind=small}