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Hedge Laying Demonstration

Despite freezing weather conditions a large crowd turned out on the 20th February last to attend a Hedge Laying demonstration in Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon. Experienced “Hedge Layers” from the Hedge Laying Association of Ireland demonstrated how to rejuvenate a hedgerow through the traditional craft of Hedge Laying. Hedges maintained in this way not only act as barriers and shelter for stock but also provide habitats for birds, insects and small mammals. The more diverse the species planted in a hedge the more life forms it will support. Well maintained hedges can help Ireland meet its climate change obligations through their carbon sequestration value. The demonstration was jointly funded by Westmeath Co. Council and the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government under the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund. LA21 is a local government-led, community-wide process, which facilitates sustainable development at a community level. The demonstration site was generously provided by Alice and Nicholas Nugent of Ballinlough Castle.

For more information on Hedge Laying log on to www.hedgelaying.ie or contact hlai@eircom.net

Hedge Laying Demo 01
Neil Foulkes and James Ham of the Hedge Laying association of Ireland demonstrate the traditional craft of Hedge Laying at Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon.

Hedge Laying Demo 02
Eamon Mc Loughlin of the Hedge Laying Association of Ireland secures a newly laid hedge with traditional wooden gabhlógs at a Hedge Laying demonstration held at Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon.