Paul Blissett Hedgelaying

30 years hedging in Bucks, Beds & Herts
Over 11 miles of hedge laid since 2000
The first and largest hedgelaying website

November 2021

Canal Fields, Berkhamsted, Herts, 248 metres canal-side hazel, hawthorn, hornbeam and spindle hedge laid with live stakes for Dacorum Borough Council. An environmental survey commissioned by the council recommended the hedge be laid. Up to 35 foot tall in places, the hedge blocked the view of numerous fine trees to each side and gave a very enclosed and shaded aspect to the canal towpath and adjacent riverbank. The towpath is popular as a pedestrian route to the town centre avoiding the high street traffic. An assistant kept watch for passers by, dragged excess brush away from the hedge, kept the site tidy and helped when a second pair of hands were required - thanks Fran.
 

Start of hedge before...
 

..and after. It's much lighter now the hedge is no longer shading and overhanging the towpath and the riverbank trees can now be much better appreciated. Note the contrast on the left where the hedge has yet to be laid.
 

View from further down looking to start of hedge before...
 

...and after. In the centre are some fine red sycamore and to the left the first of several sizeable ash in the hedgerow itself.
 

View from start of hedge before...
 

...and work in progress. The hedge no longer overhangs the towpath, the full width of the path is now usable again and the trees stand out nicely.
 

Getting towards the end of the first section...
 

...first section complete
 

The information board halfway along the hedge before...
 

...and after, with view across the canal. Plumb centre is one of five young hornbeam trees kept to grow on as standard trees.
 

View from the red sycamore looking towards far end of the hedge before...
 

...after...
 

...and this is how it looked when the sun came out.
 

Just past half way two tall ash stand side by side in the hedge, work in progress...
 

...and after
 

Same view, before...
 

...and after
 

Detail showing one half-height and two regular crops (live stakes). The other side is similarly supported to keep the hedge in place
 

Robin perched on newly laid hawthorn
 

The lovely colours of autumn hazel