Vital maintenance work trimming the hedgerows at Churchinford in Somerset

From the time of Enclosure in the 16th century agricultural land is parcelled off leading to the structure of today's farmland. The mixed border hedgerows are a feature of the countryside in the West Country and become bushy and full in the summer months. A hedging and ditching team is on trim patrol. Hedges are cut back at least twice a year. Maintenance of hedgerows is carried out by village and town parishes, volunteers, private owners and county councils.

Before the days of electric fencing laying a hedge was vital to both the farming community and the countryside. A craft in its own right steeping as it is known or hedge laying and ditching were often included as competitions in agricultural shows. The Devon Rural Skills Trust runs courses to teach how to repair and maintain turf and stone faced hedges and walls. Since 1997 many hedgerows are protected and may not be removed without permission.