Hedgelaying

Hedgelaying is a traditional method of managing hedgerows and involves cutting and laying the stem (or steeper as they are called in Devon) to create a living barrier. In Devon we lay hedges in a double comb, with two rows of steepers running along the top of a Devon bank and held in place with ‘crooks’.

The steepers survive because the tongue of wood remaining allows sap and nutrients to travel along the living wood, and the process encourages new growth from dormant buds and from the remaining coppiced hazel stools. This new growth provides bushy habitat for birds and small mammals and in the meantime increased sunlight reaching the bank encourages flowering plants. 

Hedgelaying was once widely practised across the countryside and teaching our volunteers and young conservation enthusiasts this ancient skill is just one of the many important jobs our Wild East Devon rangers perform to enhance and protect the wildlife and landscape across East Devon.