Hedge laying
On to a ‘behedged’ future
Hedge laying is a practice in which the branches of a hedge are laid down using a saw, an ax and some muscle power. They are then braided into an impenetrable wall that blocks the way for people and animals. The hedges zigzag through the landscape like green ribbons. Since centuries ago. They protect us from erosion and form a microclimate for plants and animals. The variation in vegetation ensures a diversity of flora and the woven hedges provide protection for many small animals and insects.
For the Water & Land project we worked together with hedge layers from Flanders and the Netherlands. In Flanders there is a living community around this heritage, often supported by Regional Landscapes. In the Netherlands, this practice has already been added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory, such as the specific Maasheggen style. After all, there are many styles and techniques that can be applied, but all practitioners are passionate about the same craftsmanship, a centuries-old heritage practice that creates a comforting landscape.
