Events
Browse our upcoming walks and talks on hedgerow planting and management, as well as hands-on hedge laying training days. If you would like us to promote your own hedgerow event here, please contact info@hedgerows.ie.
Hedge laying is a traditional countryside craft used to rejuvenate hedgerows that are gappy or bare at the base, either due to being overmanaged or overgrown. It is also ideal for bringing younger hedgerows into a dense, healthy condition. Hedge laying takes advantage of the broadleaf tree species’ ability to re-grow after being cut back. It involves cutting the stems partly through near ground level and bending them over into a dense barrier. New growth comes from the cut stump, rejuvenating the hedge and thickening up the base.
National Heritage Week runs 15 – 23 August 2026.
We have many hedgerow events to choose from! Find out more about them below:
Heritage Week: Saturday 15th August – Galway
When: 11 am – 12 pm, Saturday 15th August 2026
Where: Mad Yolk Farm, Srah, Craughwell, Co. Galway H91 YDT
Hedgerow Healing, exploring traditional uses of our hedgerows.
Join Hedgerows Ireland policy officer, Dan and herbalist Kate on a walk through traditional hedgerows, exploring the cultural history of the Irish hedgerow as a source of medicine and healing in times past, and how we can avail of their properties in the present day.
Heritage Week: Saturday 15th August – Westmeath
When: 2 pm – 3.30 pm, Saturday 15th August 2026
Where: Moyvore, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 V024
Join long term Hedgerows Ireland member and FFN Ambassador James Ham for a guided walk on his farm as part of National Heritage Week, exploring the theme “Heritage at Risk”, with a particular focus on the importance of our hedgerows and natural heritage.
Heritage Week: Saturday 15th August – Meath
When: 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm, Saturday 15th August 2026
Where: Meeting at the Hill of Tara Visitor Centre, Castleboy, Tara, Co. Meath, C15 P44W
Join Mark McDowell at the historic Hill of Tara for a hedgerow walk exploring the ancient hedgerows of this national monument, exploring the culture and history of Ireland’s hedgerows, the challenges they face and how to preserve them.
Heritage Week: Monday 17th August – Kildare
When: 11.30 am – 12.30 pm, Monday 17th August 2026
Where: Punchestown Racecourse, Co. Kildare, W91 VCX4.
Join our wonderful foraging blogger, Margaret Podger on a walk and talk on the history and culture of our native hedgerows at Punchestown Racecourse.
Heritage Week: Tuesday 18th August – Dublin
When: 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm, Tuesday 18th August 2026
Where: Shandon Pitch and Putt Clubhouse, Phibsborough, Dublin
Join Phibsborough Tidy Towns and Hedgerows Ireland to explore a hidden, but important hedgerow surrounding Shandon Pitch and Putt in Phibsboro that acts as a vital habitat corridor for urban wildlife in Dublin 7.
Heritage Week: Friday 21st August – Meath
When: 3 – 4 pm, Friday 21st August 2026
Where: Spire of Lloyd, Kells, Co. Meath
Join Meath County Council’s Biodiversity Officer and Hedgerows Ireland’s Mark McDowell for a gentle ramble around the historical hedgerow network at the foot of the Spire of Lloyd. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the environmental and biodiversity benefits of traditional hedgerow management, including the practice of hedge-laying, the tools and specialised craft that is involved but will also touch on the cultural and historical significance of the hedgerows found on the Commons of Lloyd.
Heritage Week: Wednesday 19th August – Online Webinar
When: 8 pm, Wednesday 19th August 2026
Where: Online Webinar. Click Here to join the Zoom call at 8 pm on Wednesday 19th August.
The Culture and History of Hedgelaying in Ireland – A Heritage Week Webinar
Join us to discuss the cultural history of hedge laying across the island of Ireland. This will be an informal open chat about hedge laying tools, practice and regional variations, open to all members and the general public, help us to build a valuable map of historic hedge laying practices.
Introduction to Hedge Laying: 6th September 2026 – Co. Down
When: 9.30-4 pm on Sunday 6th September 2026
Where: Portaferry, Newtownards, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Trainer: Clive Lyttle
This one-day introduction programme is aimed at beginner hedge layers and those whose skills might be a little rusty! Tools will be provided, but participants must wear suitable outdoor and protective clothing. Training will involve:
- Practical demonstrations and hands-on practice in the skills of hedge laying.
- Safety briefing and explanation of the required tools.
- Introduction to the concept and benefits of hedge laying.
Introduction to Hedge Laying: 20th September 2026 – Co. Down
When: 9.30-4 pm on Sunday 20th September 2026
Where: Portaferry, Newtownards, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Trainer: Clive Lyttle
This one-day introduction programme is aimed at beginner hedge layers and those whose skills might be a little rusty! Tools will be provided, but participants must wear suitable outdoor and protective clothing. Training will involve:
- Practical demonstrations and hands-on practice in the skills of hedge laying.
- Safety briefing and explanation of the required tools.
- Introduction to the concept and benefits of hedge laying.