Country Skills & Crafts Experiences in Surrey
Outdoor experiences, workshops and courses delivered by professionals at picturesque locations across the Surrey Hills & West Sussex, using natural, sustainable materials.
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See WorkshopsHedgelaying
We specialise in award-winning hedgelaying, preserving traditional countryside skills while delivering professional results. As one of the leading suppliers in the South East, we combine heritage with quality craftsmanship.
Corporate
We specialise in award-winning hedgelaying, preserving traditional countryside skills while delivering professional results. As one of the leading suppliers in the South East, we combine heritage with quality craftsmanship.
Gift Vouchers
Visit our online shop to purchase gift vouchers for friends and family to redeem against a Workshop or Training Course. Give the gift of a unique nature-inspired experience today!
Workshops & Courses
Check out our range of courses and workshops
Group & Bespoke Options
Release your inner creativity with a memorable outdoor experience suitable for all. We can adapt all of our courses to suit private groups, corporate team building events, horticultural societies, scouting and guiding groups, private parties, summer schools and children who are home schooled. We also offer special themed events for Stag and Hen Parties!
We have a comprehensive selection of activity options, catering options and specialist workshops for you to select and create your own bespoke event!
Hedgelaying
The commercial work we undertake includes Hedgelaying, Hedge-planting as well as building Hazel Arch’s and creating living Willow structures in situ.
The materials used for our commercial services are all coppiced locally within the borough of Reigate & Banstead. The material is harvested during the coppicing season commencing in October through to mid-March the following year. We use various materials including Hazel, Chestnut and Willow.
Much of our commercial work is booked in advance, on a first-come-first-served basis. An initial consultation is usually required and may include a site visit before a quotation can be provided.
Commercial Hedgelaying is undertaken by a true professional Paul Matthews, an accredited member of the National Hedgelaying Society and South of England Hedgelaying Society.
Blog
Finalist: Sustainability Champions Award
Hedges & Hurdles Country Skills & Crafts is thrilled to be a finalist in the Sustainability Champion Award category of the 2025 Surrey Business Awards! Celebrating our commitment to heritage skills, sustainability, and community,…
Willow Water: Making the Most of a By-Product
? As a willow artist, soaking willow is part of my creative process — but what happens to the water afterwards? Rather than seeing it as waste, I’ve discovered it can become a natural…
The Art and Joy of Growing Willow: Lessons From the First Season
Follow the first season of growing willow on Ranmore Common, from planting and numbering cuttings to observing growth across multiple varieties. Discover lessons in coppicing, pollarding, and creating a willow fedge, while exploring the…
Celebrating Gold: Honoured for Sustainability, Craftsmanship & Collaboration
We’re thrilled to announce that Hedges & Hurdles has been awarded the 2025 Surrey Hills Trademark Gold Award! This honour celebrates our commitment to sustainability, countryside craftsmanship, and collaboration across the Surrey Hills community.
Browse a range of Workshops & Courses
See WorkshopsClaire Passaris, Willow Weaving
We had a really lovely afternoon at this event. We were taught how to do basic willow weaving to make lovely, useful, bird feeders. Lorraine was a great hostess and teacher, generous with her time and expertise. The setting was relaxing and peaceful. I will be booking again soon.
Cat Fagg, Hen In The Woods
Lorraine helped me to arrange a fantastic “Hen in the Woods”, woodland crafting experience for my sisters hen do. Super organised in the lead up to the event and a really lovely informal day of tea light holder crafting, foraging, a beautiful lunch, willow weaving and afternoon tea.
James Herd, Surrey Wildlife Trust
Working with Lorraine and Paul at Hedges and Hurdles has been an absolute pleasure. They have both been adaptable to changing circumstances whilst still able to deliver the highest quality end product, whether it be training courses or contracted hedge laying.