The 34th National Hedge Laying Championships took place at the Brocklesbury Estate, Lincolnshire, on Saturday 27 October.

The cold weather and occasional showers weren’t enough to put off plenty of hardy spectators who enjoyed the exhibitions and trade stands.

A mile’s worth of hedging was entered in the six-hour competition, with 94 cutters challenging for the prize of supreme champion. Colin Clutterbuck of Bristol eventually took home the title thanks to his north-Somerset style of hedge.

Surrey woodsman and gardener Paul Matthews won the South of England open. Using only traditional tools – a side axe and Yorkshire billhook – he managed a 14ft high hedge in wet and windy conditions.

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