Farming OLD SCHOOL - hedge laying

[@jdlotus8253]

I cannot tell you how happy this video made me. I've actually been low key distressed by the rubbish hedges on the farming YT channels I watch, so watching you lay Pukka hedges made me happy. Together with the therapy ducks on a mission, it's a great end to the year. If I could drive, I would do that course and go work in the countryside.

[@wendyrowland7787]

I think you create a lot more interest than just sheep. None of the other sheepy youtubers include nature.

[@sharonm3677]

I cannot believe it! Everyday for years and years I would drive past a house in which they had this kind of hedge however they never had such a beautiful weaving at the top. In the spring and summer it was the most beautiful hedge I’ve ever seen. In the winter when all the leaves had fallen it was the thickest strongest looking hedge. I always thought they were very creative people. I had no idea that this was actually hedge laying. Thank you for such a wonderful video and providing me with an education on this. Happy New Year to you and your family and may 2025 bring wonderful things your way. ❤❤

[@lifeoftreedom]

I love a bit of hedgelaying. Gonna grab my popcorn and wait for the chainsaw health and safety people to lose their minds over a bloke using a tophandle single hand on the ground without ppe. Nice work, I came for the farming and stayed for the hedge. You're bang on about the labour shortage.

[@robertlawson206]

I will voice what everyone else says great to see you back, and wish you and family the best

[@zoebowler5664]

I absolutely LOVE THIS. We need to go back to the stuff that worked for generations. I’m so happy you’re learning these skills. I grew up in the Cheshire countryside so appreciate this so much ❤

[@pcat1672]

All the old farming methods coming back…my grandad used to do this back in the 50’s. Love it! Although we didn’t have chainsaws ..all hand chopped 😂

[@makingitthrough190]

Thank you for sharing this project. Definitely not something to tackle without some serious education! It is hard to believe the hedge thrives after such radical treatment. I hope you show us what happens in spring. Looking forward to part 2!

[@alisonbeezer5303]

What a beautiful video. Must be so satisfying to see the difference you have made to the landscape. Wishing you, Zoe and Sidney a very happy Christmas 🎉🎉

[@PerthViking]

What a skill to learn! I must admit to being nervous seeing Michael using the chain saw. I have watched hedge layers using a hand saw which seems to me to be a slower but surer way of not making a mistake. But all that aside, good on you for learning this Chris. It looks marvellous. Merry Christmas from Australia 😘

[@ringspanner]

Brings back memories of my Grandfather laying hedges in Hampshire. Thank you.

[@paulleaver8820]

17:46 It's good to see nice work man ship keep going with it brilliant 😊 and you and your family have a merry Christmas 🎅 and a happy new year 😊

[@bendonohue6964]

Great watch as always and past 20 minutes while my wife is actually in labour. Great timing on the video 👍👏

[@timclarke8565]

If your wife is in labour… when is she gonna be cooking your supper?

[@AllieCat58]

My grandfather made some hedges like that when he was anshepherd for Lady Brecknock. He died 60 years ago, but the hedges are still there! Merry Christmas to you, Zoe, and baby.

[@lindaarmstrongjackman9788]

It is fascinating to see how the hedge is being rejuvenated. Merry Christas to you. zoe and the wee girl. 🎄🎅❤️❤️❤️

[@mariaragnarsson8459]

Wow 😲 Hedge laying was something completely new to me, so interesting 👍 It would be nice to see what it looks like in six months and a year 🤔

[@kimrafferty7170]

What an amazing skill to learn and once you are used to laying the hedge the easier it will become. When the hedge is first laid it looks awful but next year people will be amazed at how good it looks. I have seen this done only once before and that was on River Cottage with Hugh Fearnly-Whittingstall, not only did it improve the hedge but it allowed more light into the cottage and also helped with damp in the cottage, so the benefits of this practice are far reaching that's for sure. Hopefully now you are a bit more settled you will be able to release more content in the new year but before then I hope you, your beautiful wife and gorgeous baby girl have the most magical Christmas and not knowing when the next video will be released I wish you all the most wonderful new year, May 2025 be kind to you all. All my love to you all from Kent ❤xxx

[@akantiia]

Hedge laying is pretty interesting, I'd never heard of it before this!

[@jaysmith8199]

I so love to see hedge laying. Always amazes me it grows after such a deep cut! Gotta have a cheeky Greggs 😉 Merry Christmas to you annd yours ❤

[@shutteredmoments9300]

First!!!! So I had to make a comment about how much I enjoy your videos, just an enjoyable watch. Thanks!

[@thesuperseriousfarmer]

😂👌🏻

[@shutteredmoments9300]

So, now I have a question. With the new hedge does that mean that next year you will not have to put electric fencing in along that section?

[@ErinOFlaherty-yk4cg]

This was so fun to watch. I LOVE the way it looks, and the fact that it creates this symbiotic relationship with the land is inspiring. Well done you! ❤

[@nancysmith-baker1813]

This is very nice to watch when the chainsaw is quit . Nice to see hedges coming back . Thankyou Michael.

[@2bzyblack]

Great skills, looks tidy. Seasons greetings to you and your family

[@charlotteashleyfarm]

Absolute legendary video enjoyed it A LOT learnt a bit as well as it’s something we have never done. Love all the styles as well ours is Westmorland style

[@norwalfarm]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing this. It is good to see that it is coming back. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@amandakestenbaum9720]

Lovely to see you again. This was a really interesting episode. 👍

[@mrdangill247]

A fascinating skill that id love to learn to do properly. I’ve done a bit in the past on the farm but nothing as professional at that. Good work mate.

[@maryblackhursthill6249]

This is such a good video. I love to see a hedge properly laid. Any hedge is good, but a laid one is a joy. Happy Christmas to you and your family.

[@Dogsandlogsscotland]

This is awesone to see, well done. Youve been so lucky to find an estate owner that wants to do these things. I finally got onto a hedgelaying course a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. I just need to find some hedges to lay now 😅

[@avrilsmith7688]

Great to watch you live your best outdoor life 😊 hope you, Zoe and the baby have a wonderful Christmas 🎄

[@idavangrinsven1115]

Happy Christmas to you and your lovely family. 🇨🇦❤

[@lesleywatkins1172]

I love seeing this kind of hedge! It’s so much better than wire fencing! Great job! 🙌🙌🙌

[@willyfindlay4398]

Hi Chris, if you can try and get the Estate to buy you a professional electric Sthil chainsaw for doing the hedge laying. So much quieter no pull starting perect for the job. I cut and coppice willow. It is great . Get two batteries. 😊

[@Rinkemaakt]

I love this! Very gorgeous and satisfying those bound hedges in the sunset.

[@BrendanRutledge-v9c]

Merry Christmas to you and the family it’s been a pleasure watching you and Zoe all last year 😂❤

[@HootMaRoot]

Did something similar to the willow round my grandmothers house in very early spring this year except no stakes and binders because for the last 50+ years it was just hacked with a saw, axe or chainsaw. But with the speed willow grows going to have to lay it at least every 5 years probably sooner

[@jeannorthover8894]

What's an interesting video thoroughly enjoyed it

[@belangermartin1]

Very interesting video! I've wondered how these hedges were made.

[@DeirdreHickey-nx8nt]

Real craftsmanship. Well done. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

[@vxnova1]

Merry Christmas, Hope you and the family have a prosperous new year, Thanks for taking the time to put the videos together, I thoroughly enjoy them,

[@laurenoreilly4140]

Thank you for the history lessons of hedges. They look beautiful and you guys did a great job! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Chris!

[@saragayle2217]

Brilliant video, it looks so good when it's done ,merry Christmas to you zoe and baby sid❤

[@irisaviation852]

Amazing love it, would love to do that. Not sure my back would cope but I would give it a go.

[@lady_w_joanna]

Merry Christmas to the three of you. (Hate to be a nag, but hope those were kevlar jeans). Looking forward to seeing the hedges in the spring

[@tonypiggot4877]

Absolutely top work 👌

[@jennifermitchell9731]

Happy Christmas Chris, Zoe and little one! Love your videos, look forward to seeing more next year.

[@carolwilson2502]

Merry Christmas to both you & Zoe and little Cid too!!! Have a lovely time. Loved the video-who knew I’d watch a whole video on pleaching 😂. Look forward to your 2025 videos 😊

[@martinmorris8862]

Yes, it was after the second world war hedges under government directive were removed to increase crop able land and increase food security. Hedges however are not natural but planted for the very purpose of stock retention. Layn many a hedge over the years. very therapeutic and rewarding at the end. Usually bought hedging stakes but we do have a few small hazel coppice woodlands near home by the time you cut and process the stakes are just as cheap. Coppice hazel around 3 inches from the ground never at ground level. My grandad taught me & was never allowed to use anything mechanical, always lay the hedge in the direction it naturally falls from the weather. Tools were bromack / bill hook , brushing hook, saw and hammer. A lot of our hedges are Hawthorne, Ouch.. lol.. To retain a good hedge they need laying around 15 to 30 years depending on the hedge. Up here we use the Midlands style of hedge laying. Much easier now as you can cheat using a flail to pre trim the sides & the chainsaw and chipper leaves a tidy job with 0 waste to clear up. Looks tidy that hedge… Just using a flail year in year out is just as beneficial and much faster when done right. A course finish is more beneficial than a clean cut. Almost all hedges have a point where they need laying because they become so sparce and die off. Its a costly job hedge laying and very time consuming & flailing is perfectly fine so long as its done right as most are but many think it damages a hedge & thats wrong thinking. It's probably just an old hedge & if farmers way back in the Bronze Age hadn't planted hedges to retain stock we would look more like the open prairies of America with just barbed wire everywhere.

[@jc8451]

That looks amazing. Such an improvement.

[@denis-mf3cx]

Great video, thanks for sharing your experiences throughout the year. Hope you and your family have a great Xmas, also hope the sheep stay where they were put , and you all stay healthy 👍

[@adrianbird4116]

Top work, look forward to seeing the progress in the spring when it starts greening up. Merry Christmas to you Zoe and Sid 🎅🏻

[@faenorsjewel5618]

Have a good one to you and the fam

[@russellsmith8609]

Oh, almost forgot, Merry Christmass to you and the family.

[@kayroth8750]

Great video Chris! Very interesting and informative. I have to say that you look less stressed. Glad you're finding your way. Happy Christmas 🎄

[@michellefrank8116]

Thanks!

[@Salomaeful]

Thanks so much for this video, I've been wanting to do this on my little farm but needed to learn the finer details :D Looking forward to using my iddy biddy Stihl electric one handed chain saw (aka pruner) to wreak some havoc.... Although being an Aussie I'm nervous about dead wood binders so if I find a live substitute I'll let you know

[@heather8303]

Really enjoyable vid. Good having you back❣️🎄merry Christmas to you and the girls 🎄

[@FarmFreshIB]

Lovely job!

[@djborud]

It’s so GOOD to see you Chris!!! Merry Christmas to you and Zoe!!!

[@shanecroke7682]

Great job with the hedge. Happy Christmas to you and your family

[@annien4353]

Absolutely beautiful 💚 🎄Merry Christmas 🎄

[@paulthompson8467]

Cracking video Kris amazing job hope you have a great Christmas and new year PS cheers for the duck and guinea fowl fix they're class🙂

[@SeanieD1968]

Hope you had a super Christmas and all the best for 2025 Super video ❤❤❤❤❤

[@royamor3472]

useful dodge, cordless chainsaw, brilliant, quieter and safer, finger off the trigger, chain stops. Laid one Ash, in a hedge, been laid before, and grown up again, total length that ash covered 41 meters.

[@timmo645]

Merry Christmas

[@terrynoland487]

Excellent video again Merry Christmas to you and have a blessed New year

[@buzzard732]

Bill Hook and Crocs!! 😂😂😂😂 Love it!!🤌

[@davidburgess3560]

I've got 7 pet turkey one I can pick up and walk round the yard with her under my arm. Hedge looking good 👍

[@russellsmith8609]

Always great to see you again. How's the little "inheriter of all you see" doing? Won't be long, driving lessons, they know so much so quick. Well it looks like you have a bit of job security with all those hedges, cheers.

[@elizabethingram9784]

Excellent! Happy holidays!

[@pennybaxter7009]

Beautiful!!

[@lukeduke3001]

Good to see you wearing a kiwi warm hat

[@sarahp2070]

Very interesting, thank you

[@paulkirkman734]

Fantastic, I used to be part of a group maintaining past skills. Terrible to see hedgerows with metal fences behind them, just need to be laid properly.

[@northumberlandacres]

We bringin' hedge layin' back! 🎶

[@Roosmarijn035]

Will the stakes also sprout, like willow would? It looks so good!! Unfortunately no hedges here, everything is sheep fence to keep the sheep in and the boar (and dogs) out.

[@Sureshrajasthani890]

Nice video bro🎉❤🎉

[@johnmatheson7414]

Interesting 👍

[@redshorse]

Excellent.

[@lukeduke3001]

When you hedges,, Just as well you said don’t turn off

[@willyfindlay4398]

Seasonal greetings to you and your family.😊 You need to get King Charles to give you a hand , he loves his laid hedges. 😊

[@nathalielebihan4831]

EXCELLENT Joyeux Noël

[@ruthgreen7909]

God I blooming love laying a hedge

[@BrendanRutledge-v9c]

All the best for Christmas yum and Zoey and the. Baby

[@Dennismelnychuk]

What are they paying to reestablish those hedges? We have some environmental grants available in Canada for fencing swamps and water ways, I'm sure our willows would work for that and berry bushes for the wildlife

[@mikespencer8879]

no PPE Top handled chainsaw

[@andy199121]

This is not how it’s done. Good god

[@C1223opuv]

How should it be done?

[@andy199121]

Where do I start. Firstly, technically it’s a poor job, cuts are high and done badly, there’s absolutely no build into the stakes, heels are a mess. Secondly regarding health and safety, using a top handle saw in that way is illegal it’s for aerial tree work only and second he’s not wearing any form of PPE which again is a requirement of operating a chainsaw commercially. This is a chop and flop job any pro hedgelayer would tell you the same

[@C1223opuv]

@@andy199121 that was a rhetorical question.

[@clivereynolds6633]

I enjoy your content and the fight in your belly. BUT what on earth have you done to your hair ? Your credibility has taken a downward step.