Hurdle Fencing

[Graye]

Where we live in France there are huge woods with hazel trees everywhere. In trying to reach the light amongst the chestnut trees (which are what the woods are really designed to cultivate) they grow really tall, straight, thin branches, like whips. We would like to make some hazel hurdling fence panels using some of these. Has anyone ever made such things and if so do they have any advice, photos, etc? Or could someone recommend a website with information?

[marshlander]

Here you go

Woven hurdle fencing is familiar to all gardeners. The techniques used to make these have long been a basic skill of gardeners and countrymen who used wattle work much as we would use plywood or MDF today. This factsheet describes how anyone can use wattlework in the garden to create a range of interesting feature including raised beds and turf seats.

http://www.allotmentforestry.com/fact/rwattle.htm

[Graye]

Thanks for the link - it certainly gives us all the measurements to look for. We really wanted to be able to build panels rather than making the fence in situ because they are to fill in gaps between pine trees with low branches which would make it really hard to work to close to them. I think we can adapt the instructions but if there is another link to help us out I would be grateful.

[ina]

Woven hurdle fencing is familiar to all gardeners.

I think they are a bit optimistic with this statement! It's something I'd like to know how to do - but I think most gardeners wouldn't have a clue...

But thanks for the factsheet - I'm sure it'll come in handy!

[happy place]

Country Smallholding magazine ran an article on doing this a little while ago if i can find the issue wiil post issue no. tomorrow.
i have made this in place and remotely whould advise some thing like a rail sleeper with holes drilled in it to take uprights about a foot apart with a slight curve to them (there is a reason for this but can't remember it). To turn the rods around the ends twist them towards the direction you want them to go and they will if green split with out breaking to enable you to go round end upright and backthe other way. i found a large mole grips help to twist the rods if no usefull lumpy bits to grip. ( sorry if this sound cofusing but i'm not very good at explaning stuff but it is easy)




try hard mean well and never give up

[snapdragon]

My neighbour makes hazel hurdle panels - he has drilled holes for the uprights in a drilled railway sleeper, using that to hold them while he weaves the split lengths into them - he always gives those a twist at the end so that one side is smooth and the other rough
I believe that you need to harvest in autumn, much as you would for basket making, spring wood will snap more readily as it's full of sap

[happy place]

as promised here is the web address and issue no www.countrysmallholding.com the issue needed is may 2006 and costs £3.25 hope this helps









try hard mean well and never give up