Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition

Lead sponsors: Landscape Therapy; Isle of Wight AONB; Pinkeye Graphics Ltd; Wightlink

Supporters: Mrs Mary Sitch

The judges were former national hedgelaying champion Alan Ashby, of Tunbridge Wells, and the Island's National Landscape lead officer, Richard Grogan.

Mainland visitors dominated the scoreboard as the 29th Annual Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition returned to the West Wight on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Following a two-year hiatus, the event drew over 200 spectators and 20 competitors to Atherfield Farm for a day of high-standard craftsmanship under clear, sunny skies.

The Open class saw a clinical performance from Sussex-based layer Graham West, who successfully defended his reputation as the man to beat. West posted a commanding score of 82 points to secure the top spot, beating his previous score and narrowly edging out local favourite Tom Murphy, who finished on 79. Kingsley Hollis completed the podium with a solid 72 points. In addition to his class win, West's technical precision earned him the Peter Tunks £20 note award for the best stakes and binding.

It was a similarly strong day for the visitors in the Novice class. Clive Bucknole, travelling from Eastleigh, delivered a double-victory performance. Bucknole not only topped the Novice leaderboard with 72 points - outperforming second-placed Jon Jewitt (69) and third-placed Gwyn Alford (63) - but also claimed the prestigious award for the best hedge laid with hand tools. His ability to maintain traditional standards, working without a chainsaw, was a highlight of the technical judging.

The Team class provided the afternoon's closest contest. The duo "Bound & Laid," consisting of Alison Wright and James Cook, took the title with 71 points. The battle for the remaining spots was fierce, resulting in "Snip & Tuck" with 69 points beating "Pleachy Binders" (Ben Snow, Verity Foster, and Cameron Gould), into second place by only two points. The "Dog’s Billhooks" followed closely in fourth with 66.

Despite the mainland sweep of the primary trophies, Island pride was maintained by Tom Murphy, who was once again awarded the Landscape Therapy Best Isle of Wight Competitor award for his consistent work in the Open class.

The success of the 2026 event at Atherfield Farm, hosted by Mrs Annie Henton and Mr and Mrs R Chapman, underscores the enduring appeal of the craft. The Isle of Wight Hedgerow Group extended their thanks to lead sponsors Landscape Therapy, Isle of Wight National Landscape, Pinkeye Graphics Ltd, and Wightlink, whose support ensured the competition’s smooth return to the agricultural calendar.

The 30th Annual Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition was announced for 27 February 2027, at the same location.

Results

Open Class (The Denis Russell Cup)

1. Graham West — 82
2. Tom Murphy — 79
3. Kingsley Hollis — 72

Novice Class (The Mary Sitch Challenge Cup)

1. Clive Bucknole — 72
2. Jon Jewitt — 69
3. Gwyn Alford — 63
4. Shaun Grant — 58

Team Class (The Landscape Therapy Challenge Cup)

1. Bound & Laid (Alison Wright and James Cook)— 71
2. Snip & Tuck (Peter Long and team) — 69
3. Pleachy Binders (Ben Snow, Verity Foster, Cameron Gould) — 67
4. The Dog's Billhooks (Jim Clinton, Liam Newton) - 66
5. IW Coppice group (Erik Phipps, Rod Warne, Dave Hughes) — 62

Winner of the award for the best hedge laid with hand tools: Clive Bucknole

The Peter Tunks £20 note award: An award was presented on the day in memory of former supreme national champion Peter Tunks, a regular judge and great supporter of the competition, who died in 2019. The award is a £20 note for the best stakes and binding. The winner was Graham West.

Landscape Therapy Best Isle of Wight Competitor award: Tom Murphy