THE Friends of the Lake District’s annual hedgelaying competition and skills demonstration will take place on Saturday February 22 at Sunny Bank Farm, next to the A685, east of the village of Grayrigg.

Professional and amateur hedger layers from across the north of England will show off their skills in the Westmorland and Lancashire style of laying a hedge.

The competition is part of the Westmorland and Lancashire Grand Prix of six events to find the best hedge layers. Last week, one of the Grand Prix events was held at Lane Farm, Crooklands - headquarters of the Westmorland Agricultural Society.

Organiser Jack Ellerby, of Friends of the Lake District said: ‘We have some of the best hedge layers taking part in our competition promoting this vital rural craft. Look around the south Cumbria area and you’ll see more hedge laying taking place than anywhere else in the country, making sure our hedgerows are healthy and well-maintained for many years to come.’

A well-laid hedge will make the field stock proof for the farmer and regenerate the hedge with new growth providing a wonderful haven for wildlife, including declining birds such as the grey partridge, hedge sparrow and yellowhammer.

The hedge laying competition makes an interesting spectator sport and everyone is very welcome to come along to watch and learn more about this traditional rural craft. Entrance is free.

The competition runs from 9am to 3.30pm. To compete please contact: jack-e@fld.org.uk or ring 01539 720788.