The Association comprises an enthusiastic group of people working and living on the Blackdown Hills who are dedicated to preserving the craft of hedgelaying
and other related skills in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The aim of the Association is to do their utmost to preserve the rural skills associated with hedgerows.
We do this by running training courses in hedgelaying and hedgerow crafts, attending local fairs and agricultural shows with a stand and demonstrations, and staging
the "Skills of the Hills" annual event.
The members of the BHHA regularly take part in hedgelaying competitions both in the South West and nationally.
We teach the Devon style of hedgelaying in a very "hands-on" way with one experienced tutor to each pair of students. For more details see
the hedgelaying course pages.
Our craft courses and workshops are aimed at promoting and educating people about rural skills and crafts using materials from the hedgerow. We have
courses on making hedgerow chairs, hazel hurdles, various baskets and Christmas decorations. More information and course dates are on
the craft courses page.
The highlight of the year is our annual "The Skills of the Hills" event. It includes one of the largest hedgelaying competitions in the country together
with craft demonstrations, entertainment, and food & drink. This season it took place on Saturday 9th March 2013.