02/09/2026
Part-time Hedgelaying Trainee position (PAID) available for this coming winter!
An opportunity has arisen for a part time trainee to learn the craft of hedgelaying in the Chiltern Hills area. This position is funded by Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
Hedgelaying is the ancient art of cutting partially through each stem, and laying them over to form a solid, living fence. There are many regional styles that have developed over the centuries. In Oxfordshire two styles are practised, the Midland Style and the South of England style. Hedgelaying has made a resurgence in recent years as the importance of hedges in our landscape, and their benefit for wildlife has been recognised.
This training will be led by Nigel Adams, an experienced hedgelayer, member of Hedgelink and author of a recent book on hedgelaying. The focus will be on practical hedgelaying but there will be opportunity to learn about hedgerow management in general. The successful applicant will be trained in:
• Use of hand tools, safety, sharpening and maintenance.
• Hedgelaying techniques in two styles, Midland and South of England; cutting, stake and binding, etc.
• Hedgerow management; trimming, rejuvenation, the 10-point hedge management lifecycle scale.
• Hedge surveying
• Hedge planting
The trainee will work towards the bronze award assessment in the National Hedgelaying Society accreditation scheme: Accreditation – National Hedgelaying Society, completion of which is fully funded and a requirement of this training. They will need to be physically fit and able to work outside and in all conditions. Hedgelaying is hard, demanding work and involves using very sharp hand tools. Some experience of working with hand tools is desirable but not necessary.
• The training opportunity offers 30 days of work which must be completed.
• Training will be paid at a rate of £130 per day.
• Applicants must have access to a car to drive to various locations.
• Applicants must be registered as self-employed and be paying their own National Insurance.
• The exact work schedule will be determined by Nigel Adams and the trainee.
• Applicants should be available to work from November 2026 and until March 2027.
To apply, please send an email to [email protected] AND [email protected] with some background about yourself, why you are interested in the traineeship and what you would like to do with the hedgelaying training in the future. Deadline for application is Monday 14th September at 8pm. We will notify candidates through to interviews on 1st October with interviews conducted the following week 5th-7th October.
This opportunity is jointly funded by Wild Oxfordshire, Farming in Protected Landscapes (Chilterns) and Nigel Adams, who will be carrying out the training.
https://www.chilterns.org.uk/flagship-projects/farming-in-protected-landscapes/
https://www.nigeladamscountrysidemanagement.co.uk/
Nigel Adams Countryside Management is based in the Chilterns and deals with all aspects of countryside management for councils, farmers, estates, landowners, smallholders, ecologists and agri-environment schemes. This includes hedgerow maintenance, coppicing, creating habitats for wildife and birds,...
