Now In Its 4th Year – We’re Introducing “The Hedgeweaver”
Now in it’s fourth year, Bisca’s founder, Richard McLane of Lodgefield Farm has partnered with neighbours Jake and Jane Elmhirst to further expand the annual hedgelaying event in Gilling East near Helmsley, following unprecedented demand in previous years.
Where: Lodgefield Farm, Gilling East, Nr Helmsley
When: Friday 28th Feb | Saturday 1st March 2025
The event will take place over two days at the end of February 2025, with an increased capacity of 80 attendees in total; the hope being that nobody this year will be turned away due to number restrictions. Award-winning hedge-layer, farmer and engineer, Ed Caldecott will lead the event, sharing best practises and offering expert hedge-laying tuition. Attendees will range from beginners to experienced with the length of hedge being laid having doubled to accommodate increased demand.
Attendees will work together in groups of mixed ability and will learn how to upkeep both young and more mature hedgerows over a total stretch of 400 metres. The younger hedge which was planted approximately 10 years ago spans 180 metres and will be laid by traditional methods.
For those with a need for large-scale hedge maintenance, this year brings an added twist – where a further 220 metres of ancient hedgerow will be laid using a state-of-the-art ‘Hedgeweaving’ machine. This is a mechanical piece of equipment which can be used to achieve the same results as traditional methods, but in just a fraction of the time.
Having seen the machine exhibited at the latest Groundswell event, Richard and Jake have formed a joint venture to invest in this high-tech piece of equipment. Their intention is to offer it out to local farmers and landowners, providing a real and viable alternative to standard hedge flailing, which can be particularly destructive to the lifespan of a hedge, yet continues to be widely practised without question. Watch the Hedgeweaver in action here.
“As we live in a thriving agricultural area which is also recognised as one of outstanding natural beauty,” explains Richard, “optimising the potential of our hedges to benefit farmland, drainage issues and attract a diverse range of insects and wildlife will not only assist crop production, but also reduce the use of chemicals and support sustainable farming techniques. While the craft of hedgelaying has been proven to improve the productivity of land, the Hedgeweaving machine – which we will be showcasing for the first time – offers a cost efficient option for maintaining strong hedgerows and supporting the future of our farmland and natural landscape long-term,” he continues.
At The Event, You Will Learn:
To upkeep and maintain your hedges in the most efficient way
To prolong the life of your hedges with a long-term perspective
To lay a hedge successfully through watching and practising the skills
To access funding opportunities for planting and taking care of hedges
To reduce the time and cost of maintaining hedges in the future
To promote new growth and life within both new and ancient hedgerows
To use the natural environment and biodiversity to improve your land
Who Should Attend?
If you have hedgerows to up-keep, you will benefit from what is set to be an inspiring and educational two days in a particularly beautiful part of North Yorkshire’s Howardian Hills. The event is suitable for all abilities – from beginners to the ultra-experienced – including farmers, landscapers, landowners, agricultural students, nature lovers, gardeners… and anyone in between. Refreshments will be served for all those participating including soup, cake and hot drinks.
Places Are Limited – Book Early To Avoid Disappointment Below
Special thanks go to….
Richard McLane and Jake Elmhirst for hosting/organising the event and sharing their knowledge
Local business, Bisca for their generous sponsorship, without which the event would not be possible
Conservation organisations who have awarded funding including Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL), Howardian Hills National Landscapes and Ryevitalise
