VIDEO
National Trust warden Paul Davies on his way to winning the 17th annual Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition at Dunsbury Farm, Brook, at the weekend.
Picture by Laura Holme.
VIDEO
A NATIONAL Trust warden proved he was a cut above a strong field at the 17th annual Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition.The competition’s return to picturesque Dunsbury Farm in Brook attracted record entries. Not a single stem on the entire length of the hedge was left standing, with 18 pitches cut between the competitors on Saturday.
Mottistone-based National Trust warden Paul Davies, 39, repeated last year’s success in the open event, with his colleague, warden Sean Adams, coming a close second.
“The secret of laying a good hedge is to have nice strong pleaches and knowing where to cut at just the right angle, coupled with good binding,” said Mr Davies.
Isle of Wight Council countryside ranger Rick Temple won the novice class, a leap from last year’s fifth place, while the Honey Badgers, comprising Pete Smith and Arran Hobday, won the team event.
Competition organisers Tony Ridd and Matthew Chatfield were pleased to see such a healthy field of young people taking part.
Among them was Isle of Wight College horticulture student Abbey Gregory, 17, who was a member of the Ladybirds team and was taking part in her first hedgelaying competition.
She said: “It is hard work, but good fun. Once you learn the basics of how to do it, it’s not too bad. It has given me confidence.”
The college put in six teams. Fellow horticulture student, David Pitman, 17, with the East Ryders, said he enjoyed the challenge of learning a new skill to help conserve the countryside.
Pensioners Dave Harding, 67, of New Road, Brighstone, and Vivienne Jackson, 65, of School Lane, Calbourne, joined forces to make their hedgelaying competition debuts.
Mr Harding, a retired self-employed gardener, said: “It’s tough work, but something I’ve always wanted to have a go at.”
• Full results in the Friday, March 6, County Press.
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk