Near home: hethering and pleaching

A sunset walk this evening led to the discovery of a stunning piece of hedge laying. There is nothing more satisfying to see than rural skills being displayed in such a creative and humble manner.

Hedge laying is not a uniform art. The style of hedge is laid according to region or county. You will find that on crossing a border that you may know where you are standing by the changing style of the hedge. The Herefordshire way is to lay the pleachings, that is cut into the old root and split it and lay the remain to the left, or up hill. The hedge is infilled and the hetherings are weaved with hazel in a three up alternative fashion. This is unique, and the style passed from generations. A rural communication demonstrated by the skill of a hand. Wonderful . X