Welcome to The Blackdown Hills Hedge Association.

 News 

13th March

Next season's hedgelaying course dates and booking now available.

6th March

Congratulations to Colin Clutterbuck who retained the BHHA "Skills of the Hills" Open trophy. Results and photos here.

27th November

Unfortunately all our courses for 2016/17 have now finished but we intend to run a full program again in 2017/18.

30th August

The National hedgelaying Society have a new web site. It has a complete diary of events which will is the place to go to to find out

 Diary 

Mon 29th May (bank holiday)

We will be at Stockland Fair (sitting down, mainly).

Tue 25th July

BHHA AGM. Sidmouth Arms, Upottery. 8pm.

Sat 9th September

First BHHA hedgelaying course of the season.

View the NHLS Diary of events…

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.

BHHA Woodfair

We run 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.

BHHA Hedgelaying Course

Training Courses

One of our main activities during the winter season is running courses teaching the Devon style of hedgelaying. The BHHA course is rightly celebrated as being one of the most "hands-on" courses you can go on with one experienced tutor to each pair of students laying their own section of hedge. For more details and a schedule of next season's courses see the hedgelaying course pages.

Hedgerow Chair Course

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, and various types of traditional baskets. More information and course dates are on the craft courses page.

Skills of the Hills

BHHA "Skills of the Hills" Event

The highlight of our year. It is the largest regional hedgelaying competition in the country and the second largest overall. (only the National Championships are bigger).

Skills of the Hills

With craft demonstrations, entertainment, and hot food & drink it is a day out for the whole family.

The latest event page has the results of the last competition and a gallery of photographs taken on the day.

Affiliated to the National Hedgelaying Society