It was the annual Wyre and Myerscough Hedgelaying competition at the weekend.
The event forms part of the Lancashire and Westmorland Hedgelaying Association’s Grand Prix of competitions, where competitors, including some Myerscough students, take part in the ancient rural craft over four classes – Championship, Open, Starter and Novice. The standard of hedgelaying as always was very high and the judges had a tough job deciding the winners of each class.
The event provided a great opportunity for people to get involved in high quality sustainable hedgerow management and it was also a superb networking opportunity with farmers, hedgelaying contractors and countryside officers there demonstrating and competing in this ancient craft in the Lancashire and Westmorland style.
Craig Thompson is Head of Agriculture and Countryside at Myerscough College and said: ‘’It’s a really sustainable way to manage hedges and preserve their life. Hedgelaying is a dying skill but a very important one for our countryside.”
‘’Congratulations to all the prize winners, and especially Craig Proctor, who took Overall Best Hedgelayer. Notable mentions also to our Level 3 Agriculture student Jack Thornton, who took first prize in the New Starter class, and David Martindale, who took third prize in the Novice class.
‘’Many thanks to the judges, Peter Ainsworth and Geoff Whitley. Thanks also to Andy Walling for allowing us to use his hedge and field for access. Thanks too to Duncan Byrne – Wyre Borough Council Coast & Countryside Officer, and the Wyre Borough Council volunteers for their support in joint organisation and sponsorship of this event.’’
Alison Boden, Coast and Countryside Manager at Wyre Council said “We are delighted to support this event and once again it was a great success despite the weather! As well as giving competitors a chance to demonstrate their skills it’s a great opportunity for spectators to come along and watch this ancient countryside craft first hand and to see professionals in the craft at work.”
The full results were as follows:
Championship Class
1st Craig Procter (& Best Overall Hedger)
2nd Andrew Kirkwood
3rd Peter Gibson
Open Class
1st John Handley
2nd Steven Boyes
3rd William Bell
4th James Haigh
Novice Class
1st Jon Oliver
2nd James Yates-Bell
3rd David Martindale
4th Nicky Leeth
Starter Class
1st Jack Thornton
2nd John Martindale
3rd Tom Cook