The Association comprises an enthusiastic group of people working and living on the Blackdown Hills who are dedicated to preserving the craft of hedgelaying
and other related skills in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The aim of the Association is to do their utmost to preserve the rural skills associated with hedgerows.
We do this by running training courses in hedgelaying and hedgerow crafts, attending local fairs and agricultural shows with a stand and demonstrations, and staging
the "Skills of the Hills" annual event.
The members of the BHHA regularly take part in hedgelaying competitions both in the South West and nationally.
BHHA On the Television
On Friday 20th January BBC's Countryfile program came to the Blackdown Hills. Members of the BHHA helped Matt Baker film a feature on hedgelaying and
hedgerow chair making. The photograph above shows Matt in conversation with George Pidgeon with Martin Turner looking on.
The program will be aired on BBC1 on Sunday 5th February.
We teach the Devon style of hedgelaying in a very "hands-on" way with one experienced tutor to each pair of students. For more details see
the hedgelaying course pages.
Our craft courses and workshops are aimed at promoting and educating people about rural skills and crafts using materials from the hedgerow. We have
courses on making hedgerow chairs, hazel hurdles, various baskets and Christmas decorations. More information and course dates are on
the craft courses page.
The highlight of the year is our annual "The Skills of the Hills" event. It includes one of the largest hedgelaying competitions in the country together
with craft demonstrations, entertainment, and food & drink. This season it will take place on Saturday 10th March 2012.
*** News ***
7th December 2011
Well, it's been a while in the making but we can finally give you details of the 2012 "Skills of the Hills" event. It will be held on
Saturday 10th March at Lower Shelvin Farm courtesy of Mr Arthur Sage. This is a venue we were last at in 2008 and we are extremely pleased
to have been invited back.
For all the details and to download an entry form for the hedgelaying competition visit the event page.