What does our countryside look like from the perspective of a hedgelayer? And what can those hedges tell us about the health of our natural world?

Hedges may be as old as civilisation but, according to Richard Negus, they’re in danger of going unnoticed and underappreciated. In this session, Richard takes us on a journey to explore why these ribbons of thorn and barb are so much more than mere decoration or boundary markers: they are essential for much-needed wildlife recovery.  

Along the way, we’ll meet a lively band of Richard’s fellow countrymen and countrywomen whose skill and labour is essential if we are to use hedges to make the British countryside a place where nature has a home.

Richard Negus is a former soldier and professional horseman. He now lays hedges for a living and is an award-winning conservationist, writer and author of Words from the Hedge. His writing champions the people, work and wildlife of the countryside and he hosts a weekly podcast – Countryslide – with fellow countrymen Richard Prideaux and Callum McInerney-Riley, covering life and work in the British countryside. Recognised as one of the country’s leading exponents and practitioners in hedgerow management and rejuvenation, Richard lives in rural Mid Suffolk with his wife Clare, son Charlie, and their dogs Mabel and Blyth. 

Adam Bedford has studied and worked in and around agriculture for the past 20 years. In his day job he develops projects in the gap between farmers and scientists to boost sustainable agriculture. He is the Founder of the Fieldwork Book Club, an online book club for books on food, farming and the natural world. Adam lives rurally near York with his wife and three sons.