The Dorset style of a traditional skill will be thrown into the spotlight once again at a national competition.

The 40th National Hedge Laying Championship will take place next year on the Countryside Restoration Trust’s (CRT) flagship farm, Lark Rise in Cambridgeshire.

The hedgelaying competition, organised by the CRT and the National Hedge Laying Society (NHLS) sees some of the top hedgelayers in the country compete for coveted titles.

It also showcases the different styles historically associated with various regions across the country. The competition is divided into separate classes for regional styles with some having a further separate category for less experienced cutters. 

A Dorset class was included in the competition for the first time in 2013 thanks to a dedicated group of west Dorset hedgelayers. 

Andrew Crow, NHLS trustee and championship co-ordinator, said: “It is a great opportunity to come and see some of the best hedgelayers from around the country display their skills in the highest level of competition.

“Hedgelaying differs around the country in the way that it is done and the national championship allows you to watch as the various styles are laid. It is a unique opportunity to see all of these regional variations in one place and talk to experts in all of them. 

“Holding the 2018 championship at Lark Rise Farm, which over the past 25 years has been transformed from an intensively farmed wildlife desert to a productive, wildlife friendly 400-acre arable farm, is an extremely poignant way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our fantastic competition, as well as the CRT’s silver jubilee.”

Different styles of hedgelaying, localised to specific parts of the UK, have been developed over many years to suit the climate of the area, different farming practices and the type of trees and shrubs that grow in the hedge. Each year the national championship tests the skills of hedgelayers on at least eight of the main styles in current use. 

The reintroduction of hedgerows to Lark Rise Farm has been an integral part of the CRT’s farm management plan.

Further announcements with details of the 2018 event will be announced on www.crtuk.org