THE Isle of Wight Hedgerow Group's 25th annual Hedgelaying Competition was celebrated on Saturday at New Barn Farm in Calbourne.


Competitors braced the cold up for one of the biggest competitions in recent years, where an even hedge was prepared with nineteen pitches laid. 

The open class had nine entrants and saw 2015 novice winner Rob Wood take the title, while the novice class was won by newcomer Matt Gee.

Team Hollis won the team class, six points ahead of Dick Pulleine and Alex Holmes in second place.

New entrants were also welcomed to the competition, including the Isle of Wight Young Farmers and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Woodland Apprentices.

There was also a display of heritage tools on show from Ralph Griffin, alongside a running display of static engines and vehicles from Vectis Vintage Tractors and Engines Club.

Afterwards, Island countryside management charity Gift to Nature held a hedgelayers' supper at Quay Arts.