Dorset Hedgelayer Est 1999
Dorset born and bred, Russell is a contract Hedgelayer. Based in Dorset, South West UK
4 times National Dorset Champion
The timeless tradition of hedgelaying holds an enduring charm, and for Dorset based master craftsman Russell Woodham, it’s not just a craft it’s a passion. Having honed his skills since 1999, Russell has become a beacon of excellence in the art, championing both its preservation and its future.
Russell’s journey into hedgerows and hedgelaying began unexpectedly in his early-30s, inspired by a feature on this historic practice. What followed was a life-altering decision to shift careers sideways and immerse himself in the world of hedgerows. Over the years, his dedication has paid off earning him accolades including three National Championships in the Dorset Style and many competition titles throughout the South and South West.
Russell became one of the first Accredited Assessors and Trainers through the National Hedgelaying Society’s Accreditation Scheme in collaboration with Lantra and proud to be among the very first to earn Gold Accreditation.
Russell’s expertise has also made him a sought-after mentor. Through training days, he inspires the next generation of hedgelayers to carry the billhook forward. His contributions to the craft have even earned him an invitation to Highgrove, and Sandringham where he met King Charles III (then Prince Charles), a dedicated patron of the National Hedgelaying Society.
The Dorset Style of hedgelaying, which Russell champions, is more than just a method it’s a statement of cultural heritage. With its unique flair and intricate technique, it continues to draw admiration and curiosity at national and local competitions alike.
For Russell Woodham, hedgelaying is more than a job; it’s a way of life. His story is a testament to how embracing tradition can connect us to our roots while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Russell’s work is stewardship approved along with undertaking grant and non grant work, and a many times competition winner, right from his 1st competition in 1999.
Contest Season both National & Local The contest season can be very mixed with a win one week and possibly the wooden spoon the next. Its all down to the draw and of course what you can do with your section.
Nationally Russell’s 1st national was in 2006 then again 2008 both times cutting Devon style.(No Dorset class in the Nationals back then) Since 2013 the Dorset Style Class has been recognised at the National Championships, and Russell has won the National Dorset Class 4 times. Like many things in 2020 the championship’s was regrettably cancelled but in September 2020 the results for the National Championship Regrowth Award from 2019 were announced, Russell won the Dorset class regrowth and also awarded over all National Regrowth winner from the whole Championships. The National is an annual event and takes place in October, in different parts of the UK each year, details can be found on the NHLS website link above.
Locally Along with 11 years out of 17 years a Class winner, Russell has been Melplash Hedging Competition winner seven years running 2008-14, & again in 2016 & 18. 2017 saw Russell take on judging duties at Melplash, but 2018 a return to competing and winning Local, Open and Overall winner. Russell has been Overall champion of all classes four years running 2011-2014, along with other years. Just like the National event 2020 was wiped out by Covid, but a return in 2021 and Russell gained another Local class win.
Wider a field. Not just at these events but at plenty of others gaining wins and placements since 1999 in many competitions across Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire, Somerset, Isle of Wight, and along the South coast plus of course the National wins across the country. Russell is the Melplash Agricultural Society Hedgelaying Chairman and 2019 saw him taking on judging duties again at Melplash’s competition.
King Charles 111 (HRH Prince Charles) Patron of the NHLS. Patrons Contest 2015 Believed to be the first “Dorset Hedgelayer” to be asked to this invite only contest. Russell was very pleased to be asked to attend this prestigious event, at Highgrove and to meet ( HRH Prince Charles at the time of these events) now King Charles 111, Cutting North Somerset style. Again in 2016 Cutting South of England style coming 3rd, again 2018 South of England style coming 3rd. In 2017 it was at Sandringham and aimed to encourage new and novice hedge layers to attend. It was very pleasing to have Dorset style shown at Sandringham, and being the tutor and guide through the Dorset section for HRH. 2019 Saw Russell again at Sandringham assisting, with the novices and proceedings at the event. 2020 Undertaking work on and for the Duchy at Dorchester. 2021 There was a professional class and Russell took part this time at Highgrove in the South of England Class and gaining a 4th place. 2023 So privileged to again be one of the tutors assisting young up and coming hedge layers and this time to meet King Charles 111 .
Oct 2023 Very Honoured to be asked to judge the All Ireland Hedgelaying Championships in County Down. A fantastic weekend in Northern Ireland with great hospitality and great company. Pleased to be called upon again for the 2024 Championships in Southern Ireland. Once again a brilliant atmosphere superb company all round. Thank You.
February 2022 saw Russell take part in a rather different kind of competition one that was as much about television as it was about tradition. This one-off event was staged at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire for the hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm. Featured in Series 2, Episode 6, Counselling, the “Diddly Squat 2022 Hedgelaying Competition” brought the craft to the attention of a national and even international audience. Against the backdrop of Clarkson’s often unconventional approach to farming, the competition highlighted the genuine skill and heritage of hedgelaying. Russell rose to the occasion, showcasing his experience and craftsmanship, and was delighted to come away as the winner of the Dorset Class adding yet another unique accolade to his long list of achievements. 
Not just in Dorset Russell has laid many miles of Dorset’s Hedgerows but is also happy to travel and covers many miles over the winter not just in Dorset or surrounding counties but fulfilling contracts where ever is required, and happily travel over seas as well but this will be reflected in costing as we’re sure you would understand. This picture below was from a job in France
Social Media Blending this old traditional craft with modern technology means hedgelaying can now be shared with far more people than ever before. It helps raise awareness of the many benefits of healthy hedgerows, and the importance of maintaining them for the future. As the Gallery shows, and through this website, Dorset Hedgelayer also shares content on Instagram and YouTube both under the same name so you can follow along and see more of the work in action.
A quick note of caution: my Facebook page was unfortunately hacked and I no longer have access to it, so please do not use that as a point of contact.
I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring this website, and I warmly invite you to keep checking back for the latest updates, I try to update The Blog and Gallery regularly, with new photographs, stories from recent competitions, and insights into the ongoing work of hedgelaying. As the seasons change, so too does the hedgerow and this website grows alongside it, reflecting the craft in action throughout the year. Be sure to revisit often to see what’s new, from fresh projects and competition highlights to behind-the-scenes glimpses of this traditional skill being kept alive for the future.
Bookings are taken all year round, please don’t leave it until the winter.
Please contact for further details
Lay it don’t flail it!
Dorset Hedgelayer Merchandise
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For Rural skills and Traditional Crafts people all over the country, Promotion is key for ALL the very small and one man band business from Coppice to Coracle, Hedgelaying to Hurdles, Horse logging to Milling, Turners to Trugs, Wallers to Wheelwrights of course many more all in-between.
Some of these skills and crafts are tucked away in Workshops and Sheds, others way out in the open country side, Field’s, Woods and Hedgerows. They maybe seen by the odd passerby or local word of mouth but that might be it.
All these crafts persons carrying out traditional skills are keeping these crafts alive for hopefully others to follow. Please Show your Support for your local Craftsman, whatever skill share their name and craft. Most of us will have something with a logo on it that comes from a worldwide business we have no connection to. Support your LOCAL “business” If you are happy to promote and you know good workmanship please share their names
T shirts £16 posted & Mugs £14.50 posted
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