Why Partnering with CPRE Hampshire is Vital for the Future of Hedge Laying

By Ian Metson, Founder of Hedge Life, Essex

When I first heard about CPRE Hampshire’s traineeship programme, it was through a post on the Hedge Laying and Coppicing Facebook group. At the time, I didn’t realise just how transformative this partnership would be – not just for my business, but for the future of hedge laying in the UK.

Recruiting skilled hedge layers has always been one of the biggest challenges in our industry. Traditionally, I’ve had to find someone willing to learn and train them in-house, which takes time and resources. But with CPRE Hampshire’s structured traineeship programme, everything changed. Their involvement brings credibility, funding support, and a clear training pathway that attracts the right people into the profession.

What’s even better is that the trainees aren’t just from Hampshire – they come from all over the UK. This means the impact of the programme is nationwide, helping to revive a traditional craft that’s essential for our countryside.

Take Steve, for example. He joined us as a trainee two years ago and is now our Operations Manager at Hedge Life. Sam, another trainee from the first year, still comes back every winter to lend a hand. These success stories show the power of structured training and collaboration.

Why is this programme so important? Because there are hundreds of thousands of miles of derelict hedgerow across the country. Every mile can be improved through hedge laying, benefiting wildlife, biodiversity, and the landscape. But hedges don’t lay themselves – and right now, there simply aren’t enough skilled hedge layers to tackle the job.

CPRE Hampshire’s traineeship programme offers five months of focused training, starting with essential skills like chainsaw maintenance and forestry first aid, followed by hands-on hedge laying practice and finishing with the NHLS Bronze accreditation. This structured approach ensures trainees leave with real proficiency and confidence. Plus, CPRE Hampshire’s funding support means we can dedicate time to proper learning rather than rushing through jobs.

By the end of this season, CPRE Hampshire will have supported 16 trainees over four years, the majority under 30yrs old. That’s incredible progress, but we need to keep the momentum going. My hope is that this creates a snowball effect with each trainee passing on their skills to others, building a strong future for hedge laying.

Working together benefits everyone: the trainees, the businesses and the environment. If you’re passionate about preserving our countryside and want to learn a lifelong skill, this programme is the perfect starting point. And if you’re a business struggling to recruit, partnering with organisations like CPRE Hampshire could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Hedge laying is more than a job. It’s a craft, a tradition and a vital part of our rural heritage. Let’s make sure it thrives for generations to come.