The 14th Annual Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition took place on Saturday, 25 February at Blackwater Hollow. A record number of competitors entered the contest, which draw hundreds of spectators throughout the day, despite the cold wind.

?Hedgerows seem like natural features of our countryside, but they are made and maintained by people,? said IW Council Countryside Manager Matthew Chatfield. ?Even though they are often cut with machines these days, a good hedge can still be laid every 15 years or so. This keeps them stockproof, looks good and is a very effective way to encourage wildlife.

?The Island is fortunate in having a number of landowners keen to keep alive this ancient craft, and also some very talented hedgelayers. We are delighted that so many young people are now coming forward to enter the competition ?it shows that the craft is really gaining in popularity on the Island.?

The event is organised by Landscape Therapy in conjunction with the Isle of Wight Council?s Countryside Section and sponsored by Wight Wildlife and the AONB Partnership. Prizes were donated by W. Hurst & Son of Newport, Mrs. Mary Sitch and the Country Land and Business Association.

Results:

W. Hurst & Son Challenge Cup for open competition

• 1st: Dick Pulleine
• 2nd: James Cook
• 3rd: Tom Murphy
• 4th: Ron Dyer

Mary Sitch Challenge Cup for novice

• 1st: Oz Hoskyns
• 2nd: Alex Holmes
• 3rd: Rob Richards
• 4th: Nick Webb

Landscape Therapy Challenge Trophy for teams

• 1st: ?The Artists?, Paul Sivell, Tim Johnson, Gavin Hodgeson
• 2nd: ?Never Mind the Billhooks?, Rob Jones, Simon Sherry, Grace Booth
• 3rd: ?Great Curtailers?, Matt Arum, Chris Gibson, Darren Sharpe
• 4th: ?Best in Show?, Dave Parker, Warren Oldershaw, Jo Cody
• 5th: ?The Hedgebutters?, Tom Golburn, Simon Creed, Sam Claxon
• 6th: ?Gateway?, Ashley Coulson, David Cattley, Marcus Baker

Wight Wildlife Conservation Award for 2006 was presented to Mr. and Mrs Patrick Seely of Brook.