hedgelaying course – 2 days
We have made some changes to our Course Program – please see our Course Update page for more information.
| date: | 14th – 15th November 2026 |
| overview: | A practical, hands-on hedgelaying course, suitable for beginners and improvers. Use our coppiced stakes and binders (cut earlier in the season), and undertake an ancient hedge restoration and stock-proofing technique. An immensely satisfying and effective weekend. |
| start time: | day 1: 9.30am tea/ introductions for 10am start day 2: 10am |
| lunch: | approx 1pm – 2pm please bring a packed lunch. Hot drinks will be provided. |
| finish time: | approx 4.30pm |
| cost: | £260 per person |
| tutor: | John Waller |
| cancellations: | we will provide a full refund if you cancel your place more than 14 days in advance of the course start date. Please note that we will be unable to refund your course fee or transfer you to another course if you cancel your place less than 14 days before the start of the course. |
| what to wear: | wear sturdy shoes or boots at all times. Please also wear warm, comfortable clothes that are suitable for the current weather conditions. You will be outside for most of the course. |
| course size: | maximum of 8 participants |
| what to bring: | although all tools and materials will be provided, please feel free to bring along your own bill hook to avoid the need for sharing. Also you might find it more comfortable to wear knee pads if you have some. |
| how to book: | Booking Form |
| location: | courses and volunteer days are held at Bore Place, between Edenbridge and Sevenoaks, Kent. Bore Place is an environmental and educational charity on a 500 acre organic dairy farm, set in beautiful low weald countryside. Converted farm buildings and a Jacobean Manor House offer accommodation if required, with walks and local pubs to enjoy when you’re not wooding! Directions will be sent to you once you’ve booked on a course and can also be accessed from the Workshop Directions Page. |
| accommodation: | Depending on availability, there are cottages to rent on site for £185 per night (minimum of 2 nights). It is essential that you contact Bore Place in advance to book accommodation. Please call 01732 463255 or email bookings@boreplace.org. There are also two beautiful yurts and two cosy shepherds huts on site - see Free Range Glamping for more information. |
Submit your review | |
This was a great course that was well organised, well run and well executed. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot from John. I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn or improve their hedge laying knowledge.
Thank you, Harry - glad to hear you enjoyed the course.
John offers and runs an excellent course.
His knowledge is commendable and his ability not to be fazed by the range of questions he is asked from the different types of people is admirable.
How does he keep his cool!
It was a most enjoyable weekend.
I had a really brilliant weekend.
John is a very patient teacher that puts you at ease the moment you meet him. Met with a really great group of people too, from all kinds of walks of life.
The perfect way to learn this ancient and beautiful craft.
Fantastic.
Cheers
Rob
Thank you, Rob - it was a lovely group!
John is a fantastic tutor and a great chap, a very enjoyable couple of days of hands on and theory on the art and craft of hedgelaying. After participating in this course, I feel confident I could do it on my own. Thank you John
Thank you, Ben - I'm glad you enjoyed the course!
Really fun and informative course, which was very hands-on. John is an excellent tutor. I highly recommend for any hedgelaying projects you have in mind, or if you just fancy learning new skills in beautiful countryside.
Thank you, Celia - glad you enjoyed it!
John is a great guy as well as being a natural instructor, extremely knowledgeable and there was lots to learn for sure. For our experience, the course could be much improved and better value for money if we hadn’t spent as much time preparing and tidying the site. We know this is part of hedgelaying but it took up such a lot of our time, whereas it would be more beneficial to focus more on practising the skills. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable couple of days and we would still recommend John’s way of teaching.
Thanks for the feedback - yes, I agree there was a fair amount of prep to do, as the blackthorn had suckered out! As you say, it's part of the process, but I accept there was a lot this time.
Excellent course with excellent instruction born from many years of experience in johns craft. The end result was also a very rewarding experience
Really glad you enjoyed the course.
John has a wealth of knowledge, and it was a privilege to attend this course and learn from him the skills required to lay a hedge. The two days were relaxed and informative, and John was encouraging and happy to answer any questions. Whilst a lot of practice is still required, John has given me the confidence to get started on my own hedges, and his enthusiasm has encouraged me to keep working with wood and I look forward to returning for other courses.
Look forward to hearing from you again in the future!
I had a whale of a time and learnt so much! John was incredibly patient and a fantastic instructor and answered all my questions. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
Thank you, Calum - glad to hear you enjoyed yourself!
John was the perfect person for the event with his knowledge, enthusiasm and personality. His confidence and passion shone through.
The pace of the weekend was dictated by the weather and I much preferred the second day as it was hands on. I felt in my comfort zone but noticed some of the group flagging.
I was surprised to see 12 in the group. It wasn’t as intimate as I imagined.
I loved the centre and its ethos and would be very happy if there was a further opportunity in hedge laying to attend.
Thank you for your comments about the number of participants - we will keep it under review!