Salisbury Young Farmers

The day will be run as a training course, teaching South of England style. No previous experience required. 

Teams of two, (or three if younger: perhaps consider pairing older members alongside younger ones to help them). Minimum age 13. Clubs can enter up to 3 teams only.

Start               We intend to start at 0900, and be finished by early/mid afternoon. Your instructors are giving you their time & expertise, and are travelling further than you, so please try not to be late.

Venue            Pewsey Hill Farm, SN9 6NJ. Exact hedge location to be confirmed a week beforehand depending on weather conditions at the time.

Clothing        Robust warm clothes, hat & boots as you will be outdoors and, as the hedge will contain thorns, decent leather gloves. Eye protection is a sensible precaution.

Equipment:  if you have it, would be useful to bring the following

• Billhook (preferably sharp!)
• Loppers
• Axe
• Sledgehammer
• Handsaw (the gardening type “pull” saws are good)
• Secateurs

Please note that sharp billhooks are far easier (and safer) to use. Resist the temptation to run the angle grinder over it despite some youtube suggestions as the heat generated can easily damage the blade; a file then a stone and patience are better.

Chainsaws    We will have chainsaws and operators on site if needed: please do not bring your own power tools as apart from the safety issues it is too easy to remove too much hedge. The trainers reserve the right to deduct points or disqualify anyone flouting this rule. It is for everyone’s safety, and not just to ensure fairness in the competition.

Food:             We will be providing a hot meal midday. This however is a livestock farm; if you are vegetarian you are welcome to the hot baked potatoes we will be offering, but you may want to bring your own toppings as ours will involve home grown meat & proper cheese.