Bebington man wins hedge-laying competition

Dec 3 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

A BEBINGTON man showed his skills in the ancient tradition of hedge-laying at a competition in Netherpool, Ellesmere Port.

Competitors demonstrated the art of rejuvenating hedges by cutting upright parts and weaving them through stakes to produce a sturdy hedge that continues to grow.

A judge looked out for work that was tidy, well-laid and well-constructed.

The competition, which has two classes - open and novice - was organised by the borough council and the county council’s countryside management service.

Winner of the Open Competition was Paul Lounghnane, from Bebington, and the winner of the Novice Class was Allan Williams, from Oxton.

Refreshments were available as well as a barbecue where spectators brought and cooked their own food at the contest site, Netherpool Road Football Pitches, off Naylor Close.

Hazel Barber, borough landscape officer, said: “It’s wonderful to see this ancient countryside tradition brought to life and amazing to see the skill required to create a strong, living hedge.”