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Hedge Laying Traineeship Programme
We invest in the education and training of the next generation of hedge-layers to ensure traditional skills aren’t lost.
About the programme
Our five-month hedge-laying traineeships give young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to learn the ancient craft of hedge-laying under the guidance of experienced professionals.
The structured, practical pathway provides participants with hands-on training in
- Hedge-laying
- Planting and Coppicing
- Forestry First Aid training
- Chainsaw cross-cut and maintenance
- Bronze level 1 assessment
The traineeship is designed to support anyone who wishes to start their hedge-laying journey so that they have the necessary skills and experience to step into a viable and rewarding career.
Current opportunities
Are you aged 18-30? Are you practical and enjoy working outdoors?
In partnership with Heritage Lottery and professional hedge layers from across England we’re running 5-month traineeships in the traditional craft of hedge laying. The traineeships may also include hedge planting and coppice management depending on location. The position is designed for someone who has a genuine interest in a career in hedge laying, with some outdoor practical working experience.
Main Responsibilities and tasks:
Working in small, friendly team and receiving full training and getting plenty of experience.
- To learn and support the undertaking of commercial hedge laying: prep work, laying cuts, staking and binding.
- To learn heritage skills and promote their benefits.
- To learn to assess a hedge and its suitability to be laid.
- You will be required to ensure any tools you are using are kept safe and maintained regularly.
- To complete a portfolio or workbook. This will provide a record of work carried out and consolidate on-the-job learning.
- Additionally, some hedge planting jobs/coppice management dependant on traineeship location.
South of England Annual Hedge Laying Competition
This year marked the 40th anniversary of the South of England Annual Hedge Laying Competition and we were thrilled to see our past and present hedgerow trainees join forces to celebrate this countryside craft.
With 58 entries from all across England – plus a team from Holland – the competition was as fierce as ever. But that didn’t stop the CPRE Hampshire Team! Russell, our trainer from DeadWood, mentored George, and together they took home the top spots!
Nurturing new talent
Over the past three years, we have supported nine trainees through our hedge laying programme, collaborating with professional hedge layers across the country, from Oxfordshire to Devon, and Nottinghamshire to Essex.
This year, we are particularly proud that two of our three trainees were young women, as we strive for greater gender equality in the hedge-laying profession.
Below, you’ll find updates from our trainers and course participants, highlighting the diverse paths our trainees have taken. These stories showcase the impact of the CPRE hedge laying traineeship on people’s careers and their ongoing contributions to countryside crafts.
Our trainees, one year on from completing their traineeships
Jody Combines Hedge Laying with Gardening
Jody has been hedge laying with his local Wildlife Trust and is looking to do an RHS apprenticeship to combine gardening with hedge laying. He plans to offer hedge laying services to his customers.
Updates from our Winter 2022/23 Cohort:
Izzy: Since completing her traineeship, Izzy has been working with the National Trust on the South Devon Coast, laying and planting hedges, hedge banking, and other access works. She has now started a traineeship with the Devon Rural Skills Trust, where she is gaining skills in stone walling and gate making. Izzy dreams of working freelance in Devon, keeping rural skills alive through hedge laying, scything, and dry stone walling.
Rob: After his traineeship, Rob worked with TCV, taking volunteers out on practical days. He has now moved on to work for the City of London as a ranger for Highgate Wood. “I wax lyrical about it every time I get the opportunity. I’m now a woodland ranger and am still laying hedges, running volunteering days and courses, and passing on my knowledge. Genuinely think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done,” Rob shares.
