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Young Commoners Discover the Art of Hedge Laying in the New Forest

3rd December 2025

On Friday 21st November, CPRE Hampshire partnered with Culture in Common (Arts Council) to deliver a hedge laying taster day for the New Forest Young Commoners at Walhampton Farm, near Lymington. The course was led by Phil Hart, experienced hedge layer and Chair of the South of England Hedge Laying Society.

The New Forest Young Commoners are a group of Commoners under the age of 40 who serve as a voice for the younger generation. Their role is vital: without Commoners and their livestock, the New Forest as we know it simply wouldn’t exist. Supporting and encouraging young Commoners in their commitment to the Forest is essential for the survival of this unique landscape. As they say themselves: “We are the future of the Forest.”

On the day, seven young commoners aged 17–35 (plus one enthusiastic dad!) came together to learn the traditional countryside skill of hedge laying, using hand tools.

The group spent the morning trimming back the hedge, preparing their sections, and cutting pleachers with a range of tools from axes of different sizes to the distinctive Yorkshire billhook, known for its extra weight, long handle and double-sided blade.

Phil praised the group’s commitment: “Hard working from all – we didn’t stop for a break until lunchtime!”

With bright winter sun, the day was enjoyed by all and feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive:

'Phil did a fantastic job of talking us through all the stages of the hedge laying process. Very interesting and informative. I’m hoping he enjoyed it as much as we all did. Luckily, he grasped our average banter early on in the day and I’ve only had positive feedback from the group which is great.'
Ben Dolbear, Young Commoners

Phil added:

“Over the last 20 years of teaching, I haven’t had such a positive, enthusiastic and keen-to-learn group as this one. They got stuck in, asked lots of questions, and wanted to try out all the different tools I had with me.”

Jacqui Ibbotson from Culture in Common, who helped fund the event, said:

“I am so glad you all enjoyed the hedge-laying course. Culture in Common was very pleased to support it. It was such a beautiful sunny day, and I couldn’t help staying longer than planned because Phil’s instructions were so interesting and the setting so lovely.”

This collaboration shows the power of bringing together conservation, culture, and community. Engaging with the farming community can be challenging—but when it works, the outcomes are truly meaningful.

Thank you to everyone who made the day a success!

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