Hedge Laying Workshop at Lochore Meadows Park
Event Information
Background
This two‑day practical workshop offers hands‑on training in the essential craft of hedge laying, a key component of effective hedgerow management. Designed as a natural progression from the Hedgerow Management and Surveying course on 2nd March—which provides a more theory‑focused foundation in surveying and management—this workshop allows participants to put those principles into practice. Training will centre on the Midlands style of hedge laying, a versatile approach that incorporates techniques common across many regional traditions while producing a strong, attractive finished hedge.
What to expect
Day One: Introduction and first practical session
Day one of the workshop sets the foundations for a safe, confident, and rewarding hedge‑laying experience. The morning begins with a clear and practical introduction to the essential safety aspects of hedge laying. Participants are shown the full range of tools they will be using throughout the course, with guidance on correct handling, safe working distances, and best practices to minimise risk.
With safety established, the group is given an overview of the long history and enduring value of hedge laying. The trainer explains how the craft has shaped rural landscapes for centuries, the ecological and agricultural benefits it provides, and how the workshop days will be structured.
The practical session takes place at the work site, where a short section of hedge has already been laid in advance. This serves as a live demonstration of the finished product, giving attendees a clear picture of the standard they will be working towards. The trainer then talks through each stage of the process—how to assess and prepare each stem, where and how to make the cuts, and how to hold and use the tools effectively.
Participants are then paired up, with each pair allocated a 10‑metre section of hedge and a full set of tools. From this point, the learning becomes hands‑on. Trainers move between the groups, offering tailored advice, answering questions, and demonstrating techniques as different scenarios arise. This supportive, practical guidance ensures that every attendee gains confidence and begins developing the skills needed to progress through the rest of the workshop.
Day Two: Practical session part two.
The second day begins with the Attendees meeting the Trainers at the compound before heading straight out to the site to continue their practical hedge‑laying work. The focus for the morning is clear: complete all remaining 10‑metre sections, ensuring each one is properly cut, laid, and joined by early afternoon.
Once the lengths are in place, the Trainers introduce the next key skill—binding the top of the hedge. Starting from the left-hand side, they demonstrate how to work methodically along the entire run, creating a strong, tidy finish. The Attendees then take responsibility for binding the sections they have laid, putting the new technique into practice.
With the binding complete, the group gives the stakes a final tighten, trims the tops, and brings the hedge to its finished form. Tools are gathered in, and the Trainers invite any final questions or reflections on the work completed. With that, the course draws to a close, marking the end of two productive and rewarding days on site.
Location and how to get there
The Hedge Laying Workshop is taking place at Lochore Country Park, with good condition hedges for laying practise and learning process. The location at the Compound of the Country Park also has good facilities for the initial part of the course, when we cover selection of tools, best practice in the use and care of the tools along with general H&S considerations.
The Main entrance to the Park is found on the main road leading through the village of Crosshill, situated between Lochgelly and Benarty. Signage will direct you along the main driveway leading into the park.
We will be meeting at the green container in the maintenance compound. To reach this, go along the main drive. As you approach the Main Park Centre, take the turning on the left that passes the loch, towards the wooden building. Parking is available in the car park at this building. Go behind the wooden building and you will see green metal gates straight ahead, this will lead into the compound. The container is to your right.
Grid ref NT17199583, What three words: ///lobby.witty.chickens
How to get there
By car
Lochore Outdoor Education Centre is located by Loch Ore in Lochore Meadows Park. The park can be reached by B920 from Lochgelly or Lochore. Follows the brown sign at Cross hill roundabout to Lochore Meadows Park. If you’re using sat nav to get you here, our postcode is KY5 8BA.
Free parking and disabled parking is available in the large car parks next to the visitor centre and the Outdoor Education centre.
By public transport
The local Stagecoach bus numbers 20 and 20A buses come into the heart of the park several times a day, Mondays to Saturdays. There’s a bus stop outside our visitor centre and it saves you having to make the walk along the long driveway.
If the walk isn’t a problem, the number 19 bus also passes the main entrance to the park up to every ten minutes. You can download the timetables from the Stagecoach website.
From St. Andrews and Cupar, buses X24/X59/99 connect to service 31 at Glenrothes which can get you to Crosshill.
The nearest railway station is Lochgelly with a connection from Edinburgh and Dunfermline. Lochgelly train station is around 1.6 miles away.
Trainer
The course will be led by Guy Robins, a professional Hedge Layer based in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire who grew up in Fife before heading south of the border. Guy has many years of experience and has competed and won prizes in several competitions, including the Nationals, as well as at Highgrove, so he definitely knows his stuff! Dallas Seawright is the Conservation manager with Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, and will be on hand to give additional assistance, where needed. Dallas has been involved in hedge laying, coppice work and rural skills for about thirty years, and has run over twenty courses with Guy, but makes no claim to having the same level of in-depth knowledge on the topic as he does.
Refreshments
Teas/coffees and water will be provided throughout both days. Please bring your own lunch.
Who is the training for
This training is exclusively offered to FCCAN Members involved in biodiversity projects that could use the skills in hedge planting and management/surveying. It would build their group capacity to involve in better biodiversity conservation. Groups who are interested in planting hedges and would like to improve their skills are very welcome.
How to register
In order to attend the course, you need to register by following the link on this website.
Fife Climate Hub is very pleased to offer 20 places at Hedge Laying Workshop to FCCAN community groups. As there are around thirty community groups in our network involved in biodiversity work, the number of spaces is very limited.
For this reason, we are asking groups to pay £20 of refundable deposit per each booking to ensure 100% attendance. This deposit return scheme to secure your booking of Hedge Laying Workshop and will be fully returned after your attendance at the workshop. Refunds to all who attended will be paid during the week commencing on Monday, 23rd March. We will consider all absentees with emergency reasons in the week 16th – 20th March.
Important information
As this is an outdoor workshop, we advise that you wear suitable outdoor clothing for changeable weather in Scotland including a sturdy shoes. All equipment necessary for the course will be provided including thornproof gardening gloves.
