Local agriculture and farming skills were showcased at a competition nestled in the fields of Dorset countryside. 

The Melplash Agricultural Society held its annual hedgelaying match at the picturesque Shedbush Farm in Chideock, west Dorset, separating it from its annual ploughing match which was held at a different location for the first time in 18 years. 

Twenty-seven entrants from their teens to their 70s took part in the various classes to compete for the title of overall champion of the event which marked its 170th anniversary this year. 

Keen layers tacked a hedge made up of 20ft tall hazel in places as well as hawthorn and elder, set on a steep bank with deep ditches in both sides. They had to lay the hedge Dorset Style, a style that has been championed by the society and is now recognised by the National Hedgelaying Society. 

They were met with a challenge as rain began to fall at lunchtime when footholds became precarious. Each competitor was given five hours to complete between seven and 10 metres of hedge dependent on their class. The landscape became transformed with neatly cut and pleached trees and stems and entwined Dorset-style hedge.

Tim Frampton was handed coveted first prize as he was named local winner of the match ahead of Steve Eldridge.
Pete Etheridge was named winner of the novice class, followed by Alex Clayson, Calum Hurley and Geffery Pitt.

Clayson also won the overall prize for cleanest cut. The intermediate hedging title was won by Roly Boughton, ahead of Rob Wood and Sam Norman who was hailed best young farmer on the day. 

Richard Hooker was named overall winner and winner of the open hedging competition, with Terry Coombe in second and Willow Drew in third place. 

Mandy Woodham was named winner of the ladies; competition ahead of Lydia Lee, while the open pairs title was secured by Roger Parris and Terry Copp, ahead of Duncan Frazer and Malcolm Dowling, and Heath and Lynda Cregan

The award for best novice pair was handed to Richard and Katie Clayson, Mr Arnold and Mathew Arnold and ‘A and S’ Martin. Rob Wood was named as having the cleanest site.
Honor Bank, of the Melplash Agricultural Society, said: “A special mention needs to go to the Clayson family of father, daughter and son, having travelled nearly 100 miles to take part and going home with a handful of prizes.

“Thank you to the judges Russell Woodham, Mark Tilley, Peter Yates and David Pitman, who had a tough job deliberating with such a high standard of hedging on display and trophies being won with only a point between first and second place in many classes.”