BBC film hedge laying competition at Cotley Hunt meet

The ancient art of hedge laying was given a boost when a BBC film crew turned up to record the Cotley Hunt’s fourth annual competition and combined meet on 17 March.

Cotley joint-master Mary Perry said the BBC filmed the competition, at Sadborow, Dorset, for a new wildlife series due to be shown next year.

“Luckily it didn’t rain and wasn’t windy, as they set up static cameras to film sections of the hedge,” said Mrs Perry.

Cotley talent prevailed in the open class, won by local farmer Stuart Drew.

The traditional country skill is undergoing something of a resurgence of interest, after BBC Countryfile presenter Matt Baker took part in a mock hedge-laying competition in February.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (5 April 2012)

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