Changes

[[Image:Hedge_laying_Oxon.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Laying a hedge in Oxfordshire.]]

[[Image:Hedge_laying_Oxon.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Laying a hedge in Oxfordshire.]]

'''Hedge laying''' is the skill of creating a stockproof barrier out of living woodland [[plant]]s. It involves the partial severing of woody plants, at a point just above ground level. The cut stems, known as

'''Hedge laying''' is the skill of creating a stockproof barrier out of living woodland [[plant]]s. It involves the partial severing of woody plants, at a point just above ground level. The cut stems, known as

''pleachers'' or ''plashers'', are then laid over and interwoven to form a living fence. The top of the hedge is then usually bound with small diameter, very flexible stems of [[hazel]] to give a tidy finish and keep the stakes and pleachers held strongly in place.<ref>''Hedgerows'' [http://victorians.westsussex.gov.uk/ccm/content/environment/heritage-wildlife-and-landscape/hedgerows.en?page=3 West Susex Grid For Learning]. Accessed 28 December 2007.</ref> Most broadleaved woody shrubs and trees can be successfully laid including [[hawthorn]], [[blackthorn]], [[holly]], hazel, [[Ash (tree)|ash]], and [[rose]].<ref>''Hedge Laying and Coppicing'' [http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/Lookup/HedgelayingLay&Cop03/$file/HedgelayingLay&Cop03.pdf Durham County Council]. Accessed 28 December 2007.</ref>

''pleachers'' or ''plashers'', are then laid over and interwoven to form a living fence. The top of the hedge is then usually bound with small diameter, very flexible stems of [[hazel]] to give a tidy finish and keep the stakes and pleachers held strongly in place.<ref>''Hedgerows'' [http://victorians.westsussex.gov.uk/ccm/content/environment/heritage-wildlife-and-landscape/hedgerows.en?page=3 West Susex Grid For Learning]. Accessed 28 December 2007.</ref> Most broadleaved woody shrubs and trees can be successfully laid including [[hawthorn]], [[blackthorn]], [[holly]], hazel, [[Ash (tree)|ash]], and [[rose]].<ref>''Hedge Laying and Coppicing'' "Field Boundaries Technical Advice" [http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/Lookup/HedgelayingLay&Cop03/$file/HedgelayingLay&Cop03.pdf Durham County Council]. Accessed 28 December 2007.</ref>

==Background==

==Background==