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Posted on January 15, 2025

Traditional Hedgelaying Tools: A guide to their use and benefits

Hedgelaying is a centuries-old craft that supports biodiversity while preserving rural heritage. Central to this craft are traditional tools, each designed to play a specific role in creating resilient, wildlife-friendly hedgerows. Let’s delve into the essential tools used in hedgelaying, the benefits of vintage tools, and how proper maintenance can extend their lifespan.

Essential Hedgelaying Tools

  1. Billhook
    The iconic billhook, with its curved blade, is perfect for cutting and shaping pleachers (stems partially cut and laid). Regional variations, such as the Yorkshire or Devon billhook, reflect the diversity of hedgelaying styles across the UK.
  2. Axe
    For thicker stems requiring more force, a hand axe is indispensable. Vintage axes, with their sturdy craftsmanship, remain popular among hedgelayers.
  3. Beadle
    A robust wooden beadle drives stakes into the ground, ensuring the hedge structure stays secure.
  4. Hand Saw
    For larger stems, a sharp hand saw is essential. We use a Silky Fox saw, rather than a vintage saw. These Japanese saws in our opinion are “unsurpassable and the finest available for hedgelaying “

Why Use Vintage Tools?

  1. Superior Craftsmanship

Vintage tools, often handmade by blacksmiths, are renowned for their durability and quality. Proper care ensures these tools can last for generations.

  1. Comfort and Usability

Ergonomically designed, vintage tools prioritize user comfort. Wooden handles, for instance, are both durable and shock-absorbent.

  1. Sustainability

Reusing and restoring vintage tools reduces waste and promotes sustainability. A well-maintained vintage billhook or axe can outperform many modern alternatives.

  1. A Connection to Heritage

Using tools that have shaped landscapes for decades fosters a deep connection to our countryside’s history.

The Different Types of Billhooks

The billhook is a versatile and essential tool for hedgelaying, woodland management, and other countryside crafts. Its design varies across regions, reflecting local hedgelaying styles and traditions. Let’s explore some common types of billhooks and their unique features.

  1. Yorkshire Billhook
  • Design: Features a straight or slightly curved blade with a broad, flat edge.
  • Uses: Ideal for general-purpose cutting and shaping pleachers. The straight edge is excellent for splitting and stripping bark.
  • Regional Influence: Common in the hedgelaying styles of northern England, particularly in Yorkshire.
  1. Devon Billhook
  • Design: Characterized by a curved blade and a shorter handle.
  • Uses: Well-suited for working in dense hedgerows and cutting thinner stems and branches.
  • Regional Influence: Designed for Devon-style hedgelaying, where neatness and precision are vital.
  1. Kentish Billhook
  • Design: A single-edge blade with a pronounced curve and a long handle for extra leverage.
  • Uses: Ideal for hedges with larger or tougher stems, as the longer handle provides greater force.
  • Regional Influence: Popular in the southeast of England.
  1. Hampshire Billhook
  • Design: Features a distinctive double-edged blade—one side curved and the other straight.
  • Uses: The curved side is perfect for slicing and shaping, while the straight side is used for splitting.
  • Regional Influence: Common in Hampshire and the surrounding counties.
  1. Lancashire Billhook
  • Design: Similar to the Yorkshire billhook but often slightly heavier and with a more pronounced taper on the blade.
  • Uses: Suitable for robust cutting tasks and shaping heavier pleachers.
  • Regional Influence: Associated with the hedgerows of northern England.
  1. Continental Billhooks
  • Design: Includes French, Italian, and Spanish styles with more exaggerated curves and often lighter in weight.
  • Uses: Primarily used in coppicing and vine pruning but adaptable for hedgelaying.
  • Regional Influence: Common in southern Europe, reflecting agricultural traditions in those areas.
  1. Single-Handled vs. Double-Handled Billhooks
  • Single-Handled: The most common design, offering versatility and ease of use.
  • Double-Handled: Provides additional leverage for heavy-duty tasks, such as cutting thicker stems or splitting larger branches.

Choosing the Right Billhook

Selecting the right billhook depends on:

  • Regional Style: Certain billhooks are better suited to specific hedgelaying methods.
  • Task: Consider the size and density of the material you’ll be working with.
  • Comfort: Ensure the handle fits comfortably in your hand for prolonged use.
  • Balance: Hand tools are a personal choice, when you pick up a billhook it should feel balanced with the weight in your hand, the blade should feel light in comparison”.

At Hedges & Hurdles, we provide hands-on training in hedgelaying and tool usage, including guidance on choosing and maintaining the right billhook for your needs. Join one of our workshops to learn how to master this indispensable tool!

 Types of Vintage Axes Used for Hedgelaying

Vintage axes play a crucial role in hedgelaying, especially when working with thicker stems or larger pleachers. Their designs, crafted for durability and versatility, make them invaluable for countryside tasks. Below are the key types of vintage axes commonly used for hedgelaying:

  1. Side Axe (Broad Axe)
  • Design: One flat side and one beveled side, designed for precision cuts.
  • Uses: Ideal for shaping stakes and trimming hedgerow stems. The flat side ensures clean, straight cuts.
  • Features: Often has a short handle for greater control in close work.
  1. Felling Axe
  • Design: Double-beveled blade with a sharp, symmetrical edge.
  • Uses: Excellent for cutting down thicker stems or clearing large sections of hedge.
  • Features: Balanced head and medium-length handle for a powerful yet controlled swing.
  1. Grubbing Axe
  • Design: Features a sharp blade on one side and a pick or adze on the other.
  • Uses: Perfect for digging out roots or cutting through tough, ground-level stems.
  • Features: Sturdy construction for handling hard impacts.
  1. Billhook Axe (Hybrid Tool)
  • Design: Combines a billhook-style curved blade on one side with a straight axe blade on the other.
  • Uses: Versatile for both slicing thinner branches and chopping larger stems.
  • Features: Popular in regions with mixed hedgerow styles requiring multiple techniques.
  1. Double-Bit Axe (American for Felling Axe)
  • Design: Two symmetrical blades on either side of the head, often with one edge sharpened for chopping and the other for splitting.
  • Uses: Great for cutting and splitting tasks without needing to switch tools.
  • Features: Requires skill to handle safely but offers excellent versatility.

Choosing the Right Axe

When selecting a vintage axe for hedgelaying, consider:

  • Task Requirements: Choose a side axe for precision or a felling axe for heavy-duty tasks.
  • Condition: Inspect for rust, loose heads, or damaged handles. Many vintage axes can be restored with proper care.
  • Comfort: Test the balance and grip to ensure it suits your working style.

Preserving Vintage Axes

To keep your vintage axe in working condition:

  • Sharpen the blade regularly for efficient cutting.
  • Oil the metal head to prevent rust.
  • Replace or repair the handle as needed.

Vintage axes not only perform exceptionally well but also connect us to the heritage of hedgelaying. Their timeless design and craftsmanship make them a joy to use for professionals and hobbyists alike.

How to Make a Beadle

A beadle is a traditional tool used in hedgelaying to secure stakes when hammering them into the ground. It’s essentially a wooden wedge or “drift” that fits snugly over the top of the stake to prevent splitting when struck with a mallet. To make your own beadle:

  1. Select a durable wood like ash, oak, or beech, as these are hard-wearing and absorb impact well.
  2. Shape the wedge to fit over the tops of your stakes. The opening should be slightly larger than the stake’s diameter, tapering to hold it firmly in place.
  3. Smooth the edges to ensure a good grip and prevent splinters.
  4. Test the fit to make sure it sits snugly without slipping.

A well-made beadle not only protects your stakes but also helps ensure the hedge’s structure remains intact and tidy. It’s a simple, traditional tool that complements the precision and care of hedgelaying.

Alternatives to a Beadle

If you don’t have a traditional beadle on hand, several simple alternatives can be used to protect your stakes while driving them into the ground:

  1. Blacksmiths Hammer – Typically made from hardened steel to withstand repeated strikes without deforming.
  2. Off-Cut of Wood
    A sturdy block or slice of hardwood can serve the same purpose. Drill a hole slightly larger than the diameter of the stake through the center of the block to create a makeshift protective cap.
  3. Thick Leather Pad
    Wrapping the top of the stake with a thick leather strip or pad before striking it with a mallet can absorb impact and prevent splitting, though it’s a less precise method.
  4. Hammer Head Protector
    A small piece of pipe or metal tubing placed over the stake’s top can act as a cap, though care must be taken to prevent damaging the stake or mallet.

While these alternatives are effective, making or using a traditional beadle maintains the authenticity of hedgelaying and ensures the stakes remain neat and secure without risk of damage.

The Froe

A Froe is an L-shaped tool used for cleaving wood. One edge of its blade is hammered into a piece of wood following the grain of the wood, the blade is then twisted by rotating the haft (the handle). We use a wooden mallet to hammer the froe into the wood.

Tool Providers

We use the following suppliers for our Vintage Tools:

  1. Timeless Tools
  2. Garden & Wood
  3. EBAY
  4. Ian Swain e: theluddite.co.uk (tool refurbishment)
  5. Old English Tools (Philip Selby) m: +44 7796 343722

The best Vintage Toolmakers in our opinion are Elwell, Brades, Gilpin, Nash, Parkers, Whitehouse, Skelton, and Skinner & Johnson.

The best ‘modern makers’ are Gransfors Bruk and Wetterlings.

Chainsaw Use in Hedgelaying: A Modern Helper in a Traditional Craft

Chainsaws, while not traditional tools, have become a valuable addition to hedgelaying, especially for larger projects or when time is limited. When used responsibly and in conjunction with hand tools, chainsaws can speed up certain tasks without compromising the craft’s authenticity or quality.

Benefits of Using a Chainsaw in Hedgelaying

  1. Efficiency
    • Chainsaws are excellent for tackling thicker stems and larger pleachers quickly, saving time compared to hand tools like axes or saws.
  2. Reduced Fatigue
    • For professional hedgelayers working long hours, a chainsaw can reduce physical strain, especially when cutting tough materials.
  3. Versatility
    • With different bar lengths and chain types, chainsaws can handle various tasks, from cutting large branches to felling small trees near the hedge.

How Chainsaws Are Used in Hedgelaying

  1. Preparing the Hedge
    • Chainsaws can be used to remove overgrown or dead sections of hedgerow, clearing the way for laying.
  2. Cutting Pleachers
    • When stems are too thick for a billhook or axe, a chainsaw provides a clean and efficient cut to partially sever the pleacher, ensuring it bends and lays correctly.
  3. Trimming Excess Material
    • Chainsaws are effective for cutting back excess growth or tidying up the finished hedge.

Safety Considerations

Chainsaw use requires careful attention to safety, particularly in a hedgelaying context where close work and precision are critical.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.)

    • Wear chainsaw gloves, chaps, a helmet with a visor, and ear protection.
  2. Training
    • Complete a certified chainsaw course to ensure safe and effective use.
  3. Maintenance
    • Keep the chain sharp and the tool well-maintained for optimal performance.
  4. Environment
    • Be mindful of the surrounding area, ensuring the safety of people, wildlife, and structures.

Balancing Modern and Traditional Tools

While chainsaws bring speed and power, they are best used alongside traditional tools like billhooks, axes, and mallets to maintain the craftsmanship and heritage of hedgelaying. Over-reliance on chainsaws can result in less precise work, so their use should be strategic and complementary.

Chainsaws and Sustainability

Modern chainsaws are increasingly eco-friendly, with many models offering reduced emissions and quieter operation. Using these tools responsibly supports sustainable practices in countryside management.

Chainsaws, when used with respect for tradition and safety, can enhance the hedgelaying process without diminishing its heritage. For those interested in learning how to incorporate modern tools into this timeless craft, Hedges & Hurdles workshops offer hands-on training in tool use and maintenance.

Chainsaw Training & Assessment

We have used the following local training provider.

Land Skills Training & Assessment

Lantra Awards Approved Training Provider and City & Guilds Assessment Centre based in Dorking, Surrey offering training and assessment for the land-based sector. This organisation is also an approved provider for the Forestry Training Fund.

 Maintaining Your Tools

Maintaining traditional and vintage tools is essential for their performance and longevity. This includes:

  • Regular cleaning to remove sap and dirt.
  • Sharpening blades to ensure precision cuts.
  • Oiling metal parts to prevent rust.
  • Repairing or replacing wooden handles when necessary.

Learn Tool Maintenance with Hedges & Hurdles

At Hedges & Hurdles, we not only teach hedgelaying but also the skills to maintain your tools through our Tool Sharpening Workshops. These sessions cover everything from blade sharpening to restoring vintage tools, ensuring they stay in top condition for years to come. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced craftsperson, these workshops provide invaluable knowledge to care for your tools properly.

See here for more information and dates for our next TOOL SHARPENING WORKSHOP.

Join the Tradition

Experience the satisfaction of hedgelaying and learn the importance of traditional tools with Hedges & Hurdles. Our training courses celebrate the artistry of this countryside craft while equipping you with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact.

Ready to start your hedgelaying journey? Visit our website to explore upcoming training courses, and connect with the rich heritage of hedgelaying.

Have a favourite vintage tool or maintenance tip? Share it in the comments below!